Sudden Death

Question 1

Definition of sudden death:

Answer 1

Death from natural causes that occurs suddenly and unexpectedly in apparently healthy individuals.

Onset of the terminal illness

Question 2

Medicolegal importance of sudden death:

Answer 2

1. Civil action for wrongful death.
2. Compensation in work places
3. Insurance benefits under accidental death policy
4. Criminal prosecution for homocide.
5. Unexpected aspect is more important than rapidity

Question 3

Diagnosis of sudden death depends on:

Answer 3

1. Witness to the terminal or dying episode or illness.
2. Medical background information from family or doctor.
3. External examination of the body and investigation of the scene of death.

Question 4

When should an autopsy be performed?

Answer 4

If we have no details of dying episode and underlying disease has not been diagnosed, autopsy should be done.

Question 5

Complete autopsy should be accompanied by:

Answer 5

Histological, bacteriological, and toxocological examination.

Question 6

Common causes of sudden death:

Answer 6

1. Disease with acute onset : coronary occlusion, cerebral embolism or thrombosis, pulmonary embolism, acute attack of asthma.
2. Rupture of any abnormal structures : aneurysm, brain abscess, retrophayngeal abscess, ectopic pregnancy
3. Chronic disease with superimposed condition: rupture of valve in RHD.
4. Bleeding: intracranial hemorrhage, esophageal varices and gastric ulcer, respiratory tract bleeding from TB or malignant mass, bleeding druing labor.

Question 7

Sudden infant death syndrome:

Answer 7

It is defined as a sudden unexpected natural death in inflants.

Question 8

Other name of sudden infant death

Answer 8

Cot death