Missed opportunities for diagnosis of post-traumatic thrombosis: a case series and literature review

J Forensic Sci. 2014 Sep;59(5):1417-9. doi: 10.1111/1556-4029.12453. Epub 2014 Mar 5.

Abstract

Thrombosis is caused by abnormalities in the composition of the blood, the quality of the vessel wall, and the nature of the blood flow. Herein, we present four cases of fatal thrombus formation after a trauma, which were missed at clinical diagnosis as the symptoms were misinterpreted. We stress that a blunt trauma can be fatal because of its direct and indirect kinetic energy effects at the subacute phase. This report highlights the importance of considering thrombosis in the diagnosis of closed trauma, which is usually missed because of lack of awareness for early diagnosis and treatment or is detected too late for any therapeutic intervention, which can result in avoidable morbidity and mortality.

Keywords: cavernous sinus; coronary artery; forensic pathology; forensic science; mesenteric artery; thrombus; trauma.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Accidents, Traffic
  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Cavernous Sinus Thrombosis / diagnosis*
  • Cavernous Sinus Thrombosis / etiology
  • Coronary Occlusion / etiology
  • Coronary Occlusion / pathology
  • Coronary Thrombosis / diagnosis*
  • Coronary Thrombosis / etiology
  • Diagnostic Errors*
  • Forensic Pathology
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Mesenteric Artery, Superior / pathology*
  • Mesenteric Vascular Occlusion / etiology
  • Mesenteric Vascular Occlusion / pathology
  • Middle Aged
  • Physical Abuse
  • Thrombosis / diagnosis*
  • Thrombosis / etiology
  • Wounds, Nonpenetrating / complications*
  • Young Adult