[Changes in autopsy findings related to reanimation procedures--case report]

Reanimation procedures may cause changes of autopsy findings. Disregarding this condition may result in erroneous determination of the cause of death. The paper presents a case of a woman, age 77, complaining of general weakness who reported to the outpatient department. Paroxysmal tachycardia was diagnosed on EKG. The patient was referred to the internal ward. The transfer to the hospital was offered by the neighbour who had brought her to the outpatient department. In front of the department the patient fainted. Reanimation was performed by 5 persons, including non-medical staff. The patient's death was pronounced within an hour. The autopsy findings included numerous injuries within the thorax and the abdomen, which aroused suspicion about their origin during reanimation and about the cause of death. Detailed analysis of medical history, witness testimonies and histological findings, taking into account the knowledge about potential changes caused by reanimation procedures enabled correct assessment of injuries within the thorax and the abdomen.