The Osborn wave is a deflection with a dome-shaped configuration at the R-ST junction of the electrocardiogram. It is mainly encountered in hypothermic states but is also recognized in other nonhypothermic conditions. It has important prognostic implications that warrant its recognition by various health-care providers. Most important is its arrhythmogenic potential especially when observed in patients with myocardial ischemia where it was found to be a precursor of malignant ventricular arrhythmias. Herein, we provide a comprehensive review of the history, causes, electrocardiographic and electrophysiologic characteristics, as well as diagnostic and prognostic significance of the Osborn wave.
Keywords: Arrhythmia; Electrocardiogram; Hypothermia; J wave; Myocardial ischemia; Osborn wave.