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Unusual death due to a bleeding from a varicose vein: a case report
Kleio Fragkouli1, Antigoni Mitselou, Vassiliki A Boumba
1Department of Forensic Medicine and Toxicology, University of Ioannina, Ioannina, Greece.
Background:
Varicose veins are a common entity presenting a worldwide distribution. Although they are usually benign, sometimes are proved to be a threatening condition. Massive hemorrhage is an unusual complication of this common venous pathology that demands immediate medical intervention.
Case Presentation:
We present a case of a 66-year-old woman found dead in her house surrounded by a large quantity of blood. Autopsy revealed a 7 mm ulcer on the internal surface of the left lower leg communicating with a varicose vein, signs of exsanguinations and liver cirrhosis. Toxicological analysis was negative.
Conclusion:
Massive hemorrhage from a ruptured varicosity is a severe medical emergency. Awareness of the risk of massive hemorrhage may provoke preventive treatment to be undertaken so as terminal loss of consciousness and a subsequent unattended death to be averted.
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