The American journal of forensic medicine and pathology
-
Am J Forensic Med Pathol · Jun 2014
Case ReportsSudden death from ruptured choroid plexus arteriovenous malformation.
Brain vascular malformations are recognized as having potential to produce hemorrhage, but leading to sudden death in children is uncommon. Arteriovenous malformations may be situated in any region of the brain, but very rarely, they can be restricted to the choroid plexus. ⋯ The size and the location of the lesion, as well as the age of our patient, were contributing factors of the massive bleeding. Autopsy remains an important tool because it provides valuable information about the etiology of such bleedings, improves knowledge about these lesions, and enhances epidemiologic data.
-
Am J Forensic Med Pathol · Mar 2014
Case ReportsFatal cardiac tamponade associated with central venous catheter: a report of 2 cases diagnosed in autopsy.
The authors present 2 cases of fatal cardiac tamponade associated with the insertion of a central venous catheter. The first case occurred soon after the insertion of the catheter (early complication), and the second case, 4 days after (late complication). In both cases, the post-catheter insertion check chest x-ray film showed the tip of the catheter located within the heart silhouette. ⋯ In the second case, the catheter had been inserted via the right subclavian vein puncture and there was a perforation of the right atrium at autopsy. The child was using total parenteral nutrition, and the intrapericardial liquid was milky. The incorrect placement of the catheter tip and unrecognized complications led the 2 children to death.
-
Am J Forensic Med Pathol · Mar 2014
Case ReportsPathological findings in 2 cases of fatal 25I-NBOMe toxicity.
The research compound 25I-NBOMe, also known as CIMBI-5 or INBMeO, was created in academic laboratories as a potent serotonin 2A receptor agonist. Because of its high affinity and ambiguous legal status, recreational drug enthusiasts have used this compound as a powerful alternative to other hallucinogenic drugs such as lysergic acid diethylamide. We report 2 deaths after 25I-NBOMe ingestion by decedents who attended separate "rave" parties. ⋯ Comprehensive toxicology screens in both cases revealed only evidence of marijuana use. A deeper analysis using time-of-flight mass spectrometry revealed the presence of 25I-NBOMe, which was further confirmed by tandem-mass spectrometry. The behavior and injuries in these cases reveal a consistent pattern preceding fatal 25I-NBOMe toxicity.
-
Am J Forensic Med Pathol · Mar 2014
Case Reports"Samosa" pneumoconiosis: a case of pulmonary talcosis uncovered during a medicolegal autopsy.
Talcosis is a rare form of pneumoconiosis caused by long-term exposure to talc (hydrous magnesium silicate) through inhalation or intravenous exposures. Although it occurs commonly as an occupational hazard or is due to abuse/overuse of talc, talcosis in the course of food adulteration is seldom or hardly reported. ⋯ There were typical pulmonary histological findings of talcosis with extensive deposition of birefringent crystals in histiocytes. On account of this unusual pathogenesis, we have coined a new terminology "samosa pneumoconiosis" to describe this condition.
-
Am J Forensic Med Pathol · Dec 2013
Review Case ReportsFatal caffeine overdose: a case report and review of literature.
Caffeine is a central nervous system stimulant that is consumed by large numbers of people on a routine basis, usually in the form of coffee or tea. However, if consumed in high doses, this xanthine alkaloid is profoundly toxic and can result in death. ⋯ Autopsy blood caffeine levels were 350 mg/L. We recommend mandated labeling of pure caffeine anhydrous, highlighting the toxicity risk of ingesting this chemical; and we recommend ensuring that caffeine levels are included in the comprehensive forensic toxicology panel performed on all cases.