[The hot summer of 2003: heat stroke in Maastricht].

Two male patients, 46 and 62 years of age, were brought to the emergency department on a hot summer's day. Both wore excessive clothing. The first patient had a temperature of 43 degrees C and was comatose. Heteroanamnesis indicated that he was suffering from schizophrenia. Although the prognosis seemed to be poor, his condition improved after treatment in intensive care, consisting of cooling and supportive treatment, but the patient had considerable permanent neurological impairment. The second patient had a temperature of 40.3 degrees C, was confused and had an atactic gait. He was cooled immediately and recovered swiftly without complications. Heat stroke is a life-threatening illness, which is defined as a body temperature above 40 degrees C and central nervous-system dysfunction. Heat stroke may be attended by many serious complications, including multi-organ failure and residual brain damage. Prompt recognition and rapid treatment, consisting of adequate cooling, are required.