Sudden death due to Crohn's colitis: An autopsy case report

Area of Science:

• Gastroenterology
• Pathology
• Forensic Medicine

Background:

• Crohn's colitis, an inflammatory bowel disease, can cause severe complications like intestinal perforation and peritonitis.
• Diagnostic delays in Crohn's colitis are common due to non-specific presenting symptoms.

Observation:

• An autopsy case of a 43-year-old woman with undiagnosed Crohn's colitis who presented with abdominal pain, vomiting, and diarrhea.
• The patient experienced sudden loss of consciousness and was declared dead shortly after.
• Autopsy revealed multiple colonic perforations, stercoral peritonitis, and inflamed, hemorrhagic colonic mucosa.

Findings:

• Histological analysis confirmed transmural inflammation and deep ulcerations characteristic of Crohn's colitis.
• The cause of death was determined to be peritonitis secondary to colonic perforation.
• Toxicology tests were negative, ruling out other contributing factors.

Implications:

• This case underscores the importance of recognizing and diagnosing Crohn's colitis promptly to avert life-threatening outcomes.
• Highlights the potential for severe complications, including fatal peritonitis, in delayed diagnoses of inflammatory bowel disease.
• Emphasizes the role of autopsy in determining the cause of death in complex medical cases.