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Imported malaria in adults: about a case of cerebral malaria

Sarra Ben Abderrahim1,2, Sarra Gharsallaoui1,2, Amal Ben Daly1,2

  • 1Ibn El Jazzar Faculty of Medicine, the University of Sousse, Mohamed Karoui street, 4002 Sousse, Tunisia.

Egyptian Journal of Forensic Sciences
|April 6, 2022
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Cerebral malaria is a severe Plasmodium falciparum infection. Postmortem investigations, including histology and lab tests, can retrospectively diagnose fatal cerebral malaria and organ failure.

Area of Science:

  • Tropical medicine
  • Parasitology
  • Pathology

Background:

  • Malaria, caused by Plasmodium parasites, is a globally endemic parasitic infection.
  • Cerebral malaria (CM) is a severe, rapidly progressive form of Plasmodium falciparum infection.
  • CM involves significant accumulation of parasitized red blood cells in the brain, often leading to fatal outcomes.

Observation:

  • A 36-year-old man died shortly after returning from Ivory Coast.
  • A medicolegal autopsy was performed due to an unclear cause of death.
  • Autopsy revealed brain congestion and edema, with no other macroscopic abnormalities.

Findings:

  • Histology and laboratory tests confirmed Plasmodium falciparum infection.
  • Numerous parasitized erythrocytes containing malaria pigment were found in brain and other organs.
  • Death was attributed to cerebral malaria with subsequent multiple organ failure.

Implications:

  • This case highlights the importance of postmortem investigations in diagnosing fatal malaria.
  • Histology and laboratory analysis are crucial for retrospective diagnosis of complicated malaria.
  • Understanding postmortem findings aids in identifying cerebral malaria as a cause of death.
Keywords:
AutopsyCerebral malariaForensic medicineMalaria infectionPostmortemTunisia

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