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The "empty heart" sign.

C S Hirsch, R E Zumwalt

    The American Journal of Forensic Medicine and Pathology
    |June 1, 1986
    PubMed
    Summary
    This summary is machine-generated.

    The "empty heart" sign, observed in 15% of fatal central nervous system trauma cases, indicates a heart with little to no blood volume during autopsy. This finding is crucial for understanding trauma outcomes.

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    Area of Science:

    • Forensic Pathology
    • Neuropathology
    • Cardiovascular Pathology

    Background:

    • Central nervous system (CNS) trauma can result in rapid, fatal outcomes.
    • Autopsy findings are critical for determining cause and manner of death.
    • The "empty heart" sign is an under-recognized autopsy finding.

    Purpose of the Study:

    • To define the "empty heart" sign.
    • To discuss the implications of the "empty heart" sign in cases of lethal CNS trauma.
    • To highlight the prevalence of this sign in specific trauma populations.

    Main Methods:

    • Review of autopsy cases with lethal central nervous system trauma.
    • Definition and description of the "empty heart" sign based on cardiac volume and blood content.

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  • Correlation of the "empty heart" sign with the severity and type of CNS trauma.

    • Main Results:

    • Approximately 15% of victims with instantly lethal CNS trauma exhibit an "empty heart" sign.
    • The sign is characterized by minimal or absent blood within the cardiac chambers and great vessels.
    • Further research is needed to elucidate the precise physiological mechanisms leading to this sign.

    Conclusions:

    • The "empty heart" sign is a distinct autopsy finding in a subset of lethal CNS trauma cases.
    • Its presence may provide insights into the rapid physiological changes occurring post-trauma.
    • Recognition of the "empty heart" sign can aid in the interpretation of autopsy findings in forensic investigations.