The forensic value of the gastric content in head trauma injuries: A case report

We present the case of a 69 years old man who was hit by a car while crossing the road. A CT scan of the skull and brain showed fracture of the left occipital bone, bilateral hemispheric subarachnoid hemorrhage, right frontal-temporal-parietal subdural hematoma with a shift of midline structures of 18 mm and complete obliteration of the third ventricle. He showed signs of anisocoria, absence of mobility of all 4 limbs and was immediately intubated and admitted to intensive care. The neurosurgeon was immediately consulted. He underwent drainage of subdural hematoma and two decompressive craniotomies, but died 15 days after the initial trauma. At autopsy, the stomach was full of a greenish poltaceous material. This gave us vital information in reconducting the actual brain death of the man to the immediacy of the investment, helping in the process of ruling out any possible profiles of professional liability.