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Post-mortem CT with macroscopic and microscopic correlation in a case of sudden death due to systemic sarcoidosis
Jatin Bodwal1,2, Marc Napoleone3, Jayantha Herath4
1Department of Forensic Medicine, Deen Dayal Upadhyay Hospital, Saheed Mangal Pandey Marg, Nanak Pura, Hari Nagar, New Delhi, 110064, India. jatinfsm@gmail.com.
Insights
Sudden death in a healthy 54-year-old male was caused by systemic sarcoidosis. Autopsy revealed extensive sarcoid granulomata in multiple organs, confirming the diagnosis and cause of death.
Area of Science:
- Pathology
- Cardiology
- Immunology
Background:
- Sarcoidosis is an inflammatory disease characterized by granuloma formation.
- Systemic sarcoidosis can affect multiple organs, including the heart, lungs, liver, and spleen.
- Sudden death is a rare but possible complication of cardiac sarcoidosis.
Observation:
- A previously healthy 54-year-old male experienced sudden death.
- Pre-autopsy CT scan revealed cardiomegaly and lymphadenopathy.
- Autopsy showed pale yellow plaque deposition on the heart surface, infiltrating the myocardium.
Findings:
- Histological examination confirmed extensive sarcoid granulomata in the heart, lungs, liver, and spleen.
- The findings established systemic sarcoidosis as the cause of death.
- Cardiac involvement was a significant factor in the fatal outcome.
Implications:
- This case highlights the potential for sarcoidosis to cause sudden, unexpected death.
- Early recognition and diagnosis of cardiac sarcoidosis are crucial for patient management.
- Further research into the mechanisms of cardiac sarcoidosis and its progression is warranted.
Abstract:
We report a case of sudden death due to systemic sarcoidosis in a fifty-four year old male who was reportedly healthy. A computerized tomography (CT) scan was performed before the autopsy. It showed cardiomegaly with hilar and abdominal lymphadenopathy. The autopsy showed pale yellow plaque deposition on the heart surface which was infiltrating the myocardium. Histological examination of the heart, lungs, liver, and spleen showed extensive sarcoid granulomata which helped in establishing the cause of death.
