Myocardial infarction and concurrent chest injuries: two case reports

Area of Science:

• Forensic Pathology
• Cardiology

Background:

• Sudden death associated with chest trauma presents diagnostic challenges.
• Myocardial infarction can occur without obvious external signs of severe injury.

Observation:

• Two cases of sudden death with myocardial infarction and anterior chest contusions are presented.
• External chest injuries were noted but not initially reported in inquests.
• Both patients were declared dead on arrival.

Findings:

• Autopsy investigations ruled out foul play and trauma-induced myocardial infarction in both cases.
• Detailed case history and autopsy findings were essential for accurate diagnosis.
• The absence of reported injuries in inquests complicated initial assessments.

Implications:

• Emphasizes the critical role of detailed patient history in forensic autopsies.
• Highlights the importance of thorough examination for chest injuries in sudden death cases.
• Underscores the need to consider myocardial infarction even with minor external trauma.