Death due to sickle cell crisis: a case report

Area of Science:

• Forensic Pathology
• Hematology
• Medical Imaging

Background:

• Sickle cell disease (SCD) is a prevalent global hemoglobinopathy.
• SCD causes characteristic acute and chronic changes detectable postmortem.
• Forensic pathology literature infrequently details SCD's postmortem manifestations.

Observation:

• This case highlights classic acute and chronic SCD features on postmortem CT (PMCT), gross, and microscopic examination.
• Diagnostic imaging and macroscopic findings alone are not specific for SCD.
• Microscopic evidence, including sickled erythrocytes and Gamna-Gandy bodies, is crucial for SCD identification.

Findings:

• Postmortem CT, macroscopic, and microscopic findings in SCD are presented.
• The study details the pathophysiology of sudden death in individuals with SCD.
• Potential challenges in attributing cause of death in SCD cases are discussed.

Implications:

• Recognizing SCD's postmortem features improves diagnostic accuracy in forensic investigations.
• This case underscores the importance of integrating imaging and microscopic findings.
• Understanding SCD pathophysiology aids in determining cause of death in unexpected fatalities.