Korean J Leg Med.
2006 Oct;30(2):129-134.
Sudden Unexpected Death of Hospitalized Patients with Pneumonia: 4 Autopsy cases
- Affiliations
-
- 1Department of Forensic Medicine, Western District Office, Korea. ysk007@fm@hotmail.com
- 2Department of Forensic Medicine, Eastern District Office, National Institute of Scientific Investigation, Korea.
Abstract
- Four cases of sudden unexpected death during hospitalization are described where autopsy examination showed lobar pneumonia. As widely accepted, sudden death is defined as a natural unexpected death within 1 hour of symptoms and it is well known that pneumonia can be a cause of sudden death. Although pneumonia is a common finding in autopsy, it is not usual that pneumonia is a direct cause of death, especially in medicolegal autopsy cases. In the present study about 4 cases, pneumonia was primary illness and direct cause of death. 4 victims were all male(39~74 years) and found dead on the bed or corridor couch during their admission. The authors describe the autopsy findings, clinical features and courses, and predisposing factors, with literature review.
