Sudden Unexpected Death Caused by Cardiac Metastasization from Histiocytic Sarcoma

Haematological malignancies, such as lymphoma and leukaemia, can have a variety of clinical manifestations. The most frequent cause of death from haematological malignancies is multiple organ failure due to neoplastic organ infiltration and/or septic shock. Histiocytic sarcoma (HS) is a rare malignant nodal or extranodal tumour with histiocytic immunophenotype that originates from a lymphohematopoietic precursor. The patients with HS usually have a poor prognosis due to its aggressive clinical behaviour. Rare cases of undiagnosed sudden HS death have been described in the literature.

A forensic autopsy of a 46-year-old white male who died at home suddenly and unexpectedly without warning conditions or known diseases. Gross analysis, histology and toxicology were also performed.

The diagnosis of HS of the ileum with secondary nodal and cardiac metastatization was made.

A prompt diagnosis of HS in life is paramount because it can make a difference in prognostic outcomes.