Diagnostic Dilemma with Interval Death in a Road-Traffic Accident Victim
International Journal of Medical Toxicology and Forensic Medicine,
Vol. 6 No. 4(Autumn) (2016),
3 February 2017
,
Page 237-241
https://doi.org/10.22037/ijmtfm.v6i4(Autumn).11955
Abstract
Background: The cause of death is difficult to interpret in a road-traffic accident (RTA) victim, because multiple injuries make it difficult to decide on the most fatal lesion, particularly when death is delayed by prompt medical intervention; and secondary haemorrhage, renal failure, fat embolism, systemic infections, myocardial or cerebral infarction – all comes under the potential differential threats.
Case Report: A 20 year-old RTA victim was hospitalized in a comatose state and died after surviving 21 days on intermittent positive pressure ventilation. Post-mortem examination of different organs revealed pneumonic consolidation in lung, fatty changes in liver and acute tubular necrosis in kidney; in addition to haemorrhage and congestion in these organs and brain.
Conclusion: Acute contusions of various internal organs, compounded by hospital-acquired infection and medical interventions turn the overall diagnostic scenario messy in a resuscitated RTA victim. In such condition notification about all lethal organic defects, instead of mentioning mere ‘multiorgan failure’, is the best way to sign out an ‘autopsy report.
- Road-Traffic Accident
- IPPV
- Consolidation
- Acute Tubular Necrosis
- Steatosis
How to Cite
References
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