Death Due to Coronary Artery Insufficiency Following Blunt Trauma to the Chest

• NCJ Number: 246873
• Journal: Journal of Forensic Sciences Volume: 59 Issue: 3 Dated: May 2014 Pages: 830-832
• Author(s): Basappa S. Hugar; Harish S. Shetty; Girish Chandra P. Yajaman M.D.; Anitha S. Rao
• Date Published: May 2014
• Length: 3 pages
• Publication Format: Article
• Publication Type: Report (Study/Research)
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

There have been numerous reports of sudden cardiac death following blunt trauma to the chest, but there is lack of such references in forensic literature.

Abstract

There have been numerous reports of sudden cardiac death following blunt trauma to the chest, but there is lack of such references in forensic literature. It is the court of law which makes decision about trauma precipitating natural events. The forensic pathologist is scientifically trained in the medical field and would be in a better position to give clear picture about the victim's general status at the time of death, exact nature and severity of the illness he is suffering from if any. He can also assess the nature and severity of injuries sustained, and thus, his opinion as to the possible role played by the traumatic event in bringing about the death is valuable. This paper will discuss the mechanism of cardiac injury or possible cardiac injury and sudden death of an apparently healthy 36-year-old male following blunt chest trauma sustained during alleged assault by his neighbor.