Role of Pathologist- sudden death

Question 1

what are the types of post mortem and which need consented?

Answer 1

Hospital post mortem- requires consent

Legally required post mortem- doesnt require consent

Question 2

what are the 8 causes of reversible cardiac arrest?

Answer 2

4Hs + 4Ts

-Hypoxia
-Hypovolaemia
-Hypo/hyperkalaemia/ metabolic
-Hypothermia

-Thrombosis
-Tamponade
-Toxins
-Tension pneumothorax

Question 3

examples of sus and non sus hypoxia- causes of reversible cardiac arrest

Answer 3

non sus= asthma, aspiratiob

sus= drug related, drowning

Question 4

examples of sus and non sus hypovolaemia - causes of reversible cardiac arrest?

Answer 4

non sus= upper/ lower gi haemorrhage, trauma

sus= trauma, stabbings

Question 5

examples of sus and non sus hypo/hyperkalaemia/ metabolic- causes of reversible cardiac arrest

Answer 5

non sus= DKA, alcoholic ketoacidosis, toxins
sus= toxins (poisonings)

Question 6

signs on autopsy of hypothermia?

Answer 6

Wischnewski ulcers (black spots associated with hyperthermia)

Question 7

what are the 4 Ts of reversible cardiac arrest?

Answer 7

-thrombosis
-tamponade (cardiac)
-Toxins
-Tension pneumothorax