Naslov
Autopsy findings in differentiating natural from violent death: a case report

Autori
Britvar, Martina ; Papišta, Dino ; Borić, Marijan ; Dujmić, Josipa ; Jutriša, Ivona ; Dumenčić, Boris

Vrsta, podvrsta i kategorija rada
Sažeci sa skupova, sažetak, znanstveni

Izvornik
OSCON, Book of abstracts / Pavlović, Vedrana - Osijek : Faculty of Medicine Osijek, The J.J. Strossmayer University of Osijek, 2023, 50-50

Skup
OSCON 2023, International Translational Medicine Congress of Students and Young Physicians

Mjesto i datum
Osijek, Hrvatska, 30.03.2023. - 01.04.2023

Vrsta sudjelovanja
Poster

Vrsta recenzije
Međunarodna recenzija

Ključne riječi
autopsy ; death ; forensic medicine ; myocardial infarction

Sažetak
Introduction: Forensic pathology is a medical speciality where the area of specific application is the examination of people who die suddenly, unexpectedly or violently. The forensic pathologist is an expert in determining cause and manner of death. Case report: We present a case of a 76 year old male who was found unconscious by his son. He was brought to the ER in cardiopulmonary arrest with immeasurably low temperature (<35°C). CPR was unsuccessful and the patient died. Due to suspicion of hypothermia and neglect, the State Attorney’s Office was notified. A forensic medical autopsy was ordered due to suspected violations of the Constitution and the Criminal Code of the Republic of Croatia. Autopsy, performed as a part of university’s exercise in forensic medicine, found dark purple death spots, which were the first sign that it probably wasn’t hypothermia. Further examination showed hydrothorax, large ascites and extremely dilated heart that weighted 475 grams. Heart section revealed massive myocardial infarction and coronary atherosclerosis. Gaster section showed no Wischnewsky spots that are pathognomonic sign of hypothermia. Histopathological examination confirmed that it was myocardial infarction. Specific autopsy findings and histopathological examination reaffirmed myocardial infarction as cause of death and ruled out any signs of violence and neglect. Conclusion: In this case report we wanted to show how forensic pathology has a big impact on both clinical and judicial system. With specific autopsy findings, forensic pathology helps in distinguishing natural from violent death.

Izvorni jezik
Engleski

Znanstvena područja
Kliničke medicinske znanosti

POVEZANOST RADA