Sudden natural death in a suicide attempt

Abstract

In this article, we report an unusual case of sudden death arising from a ruptured basilar artery aneurysm during a suicide attempt. A 72-year-old male was found dead in his home after sustaining superficial flesh gunshot wounds (entrace and exit) involving the forehead. The victim had been depressed for several months and had frank suicide intention. The pertinent autopsy findings revealed a superficial nonpenetrating bullet path of the scalp with no skull fractures or brain injuries. However, brain examination identified subrachnoid hemorrhage and subdural clot about the brainstem and within the posterior fossa, linked to a basilar artery aneourysm rupture. The cause and manner of death and contributing factors of the "non-lethal" gunshot wounds are discussed.

Sudden cardiac death after robbery: Homicide or natural death?

“…The determination of the Cause and Manner of death represents a complex analysis of autopsy findings systematically coupled with adequate circumstantial data and historical information. 20 Therefore, sudden cardiovascular death coexisting with a sudden psychologically stressful event is routinely evaluated in clinical medicine and forensic pathology. 20 The question about the timing of death and the emotional stress related to the criminal act come to the forefront in the Manner of death discussion in this particular case.…”

A case of sudden death following minor intentional trauma; pathologist's contribution to the decision on the manner of death

“…Sudden natural deaths associated with minor trauma are not uncommon in forensic practice 2 . Though it is a common occurrence for a man to die suddenly following emotional disturbance and trivial trauma with pre-existing heart disease, 3 the forensic pathologist is faced with a dilemma of explaining the court and the agitated relations how the former condition affect the latter resulting in death.…”