Cardiac rupture due to fall: a case study

Nursel Türkmen1, M Sadik Bilgen, Bülent Eren

  • 1Department of Forensic Medicine, Uludag University, Council of Forensic Medicine of Turkey, Bursa Morgue Department, Bursa, Turkey.

Insights

Cardiac rupture from blunt trauma is common. This case highlights a rare, isolated cardiac rupture in a child due to a fall, offering medico-legal insights into autopsy findings.

Area of Science:

  • Forensic Pathology
  • Pediatric Traumatology
  • Cardiovascular Pathology

Background:

  • Blunt force trauma can cause cardiac ruptures.
  • Falls are a frequent cause of death, often involving epicardial injuries and atrial ruptures.

Observation:

  • A unique case of isolated cardiac rupture in a 2-year-old child is presented.
  • The injury resulted from a fall from a bed.

Findings:

  • Autopsy findings of this isolated cardiac rupture are evaluated.
  • Literature review focuses on medico-legal aspects of pediatric cardiac trauma.

Implications:

  • This case contributes to understanding rare pediatric cardiac injuries.
  • It provides medico-legal context for fall-related deaths in children.
  • Highlights the importance of thorough autopsy in pediatric trauma cases.

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