[Death caused by heat stroke: case report].

Area of Science:

• Medicine
• Environmental Health
• Pathology

Background:

• Heat stroke is a severe, life-threatening condition caused by elevated environmental temperatures, characterized by hyperthermia (>40°C), central nervous system dysfunction, and multi-organ failure.
• Accurate diagnosis of heat stroke is critical due to its high mortality and morbidity rates.

Observation:

• A 20-year-old male presented in a coma with persistent hyperthermia (40°C), hypotension, and signs of bleeding, despite medical intervention.
• Clinical presentation was initially inconclusive, with negative meningeal signs but evidence of tachycardia, hypotension, and mucocutaneous bleeding.

Findings:

• Laboratory results revealed elevated LDH, creatine kinase, creatinine, and AST, alongside signs of disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC).
• Autopsy findings included hemorrhagic diathesis, cerebral and pulmonary edema, internal bleeding, and aspiration, with negative toxicological and bacteriological tests.
• The cause of death was retrospectively attributed to heat stroke, considering workplace conditions.

Implications:

• This case underscores the diagnostic challenges in fatal heat stroke, highlighting the importance of considering environmental factors.
• Misdiagnosis of heat stroke can lead to inadequate treatment, potentially resulting in adverse outcomes and legal repercussions for medical professionals.
• Emphasizes the need for rapid clinical recognition and appropriate management protocols for heat stroke to prevent fatalities and long-term complications.