Abstract
Cirsoid aneurysms are rare arteriovenous malformations without any capillaries interposed and almost always observed in the scalp region. These types of aneurysms are so-called “cirsoid” because of their serpiginous appearance. In this report, the authors present the first case of a lethal spontaneous rupture of a cirsoid aneurysm of the splenic artery, which could be diagnosed only by post-mortem histologic examination. The victim was a 70-year-old man who was suddenly found dead in bed while he was hospitalized and waiting for a scheduled cardiac surgery. A forensic autopsy was ordered due to the suspicion that the man's death could have been related to medical malpractice. An accurate autopsy and a complete forensic histologic examination could clarify the cause of death, which was identified in the spontaneous rupture of a cirsoid aneurysm of the splenic artery. The case is intended to be used as source data for similar forensic cases, where the cause of a massive hemoperitoneum is difficult to be identified.
Original language | English |
---|---|
Article number | 102134 |
Journal | Journal of Forensic and Legal Medicine |
Volume | 79 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - Apr 2021 |
Keywords
- Autopsy
- Cirsoid aneurysm
- Forensic histopathology
- Hemoperitoneum
- Splenic artery
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Pathology and Forensic Medicine
- Law