Sudden Natural Death

Question 1

What is sudden natural death?

Answer 1

Non traumatic

Non violent

Natural death

Within 24 hours of onset of symptoms

Question 2

What are the medicolegal issues of sudden natural death?

Answer 2

Requires an inquest

PM needed

Respect the relatives emotions

Suspicious

Could be due to medical negligence

Hereditary? Screen the family

Family disputes

Negative autopsy

Question 3

What are the causes for sudden natural death?

Answer 3

Heart
Brain
Lungs
Stomach

IHD
Coronary dissection (Kawasaki, pregnancy, cocaine)
Anatomical anomalies of coronary 
Hypertensive heart disease
HOCM
ARVCM
Myocarditis 
VHD
Brugada 
Prolonged QTc
Aortic dissection
PE
Asthma (eosinophilia)

Berry aneurysm
ICH
Varices

Hypoglycemia
Ketoacidosis

SIDS
SUDEP