[Traumatic carotid sinus reflex death]

The review of 7 autopsy cases shows, that the diagnosis of a sudden death due to mechanical irritation of the carotid sinus is possible, when an injury of this reflectogen zone is represented autoptically, when there are signs of acute cardio vascular failure and other causes of death are out of the question. Taking account of the ascerteinments at the scene as well as observations by witnesses of the death process is important for diagnostic reason. The proof of the carotid lesion depends on the preparation of neck organs in artificial lack of blood. The histological analysis of stepwise taken slides of the carotid arteries above the bifurcation is informative. The insurances consider a death due to carotid sinus reflex as an accident; in criminal law this kind of death is regularly linked to strangulation; diagnostic decision criteria are presented.