Background: Haematological malignancies, such as lymphoma and leukaemia, can have a variety of clinical manifestations. The most frequent cause of death from haematological malignancies is multiple organ failure due to neoplastic organ infiltration and/or septic shock. Histiocytic sarcoma (HS) is a rare malignant nodal or extranodal tumour with histiocytic immunophenotype that originates from a lymphohematopoietic precursor. The patients with HS usually have a poor prognosis due to its aggressive clinical behaviour. Rare cases of undiagnosed sudden HS death have been described in the literature.
Methods: A forensic autopsy of a 46-year-old white male who died at home suddenly and unexpectedly without warning conditions or known diseases. Gross analysis, histology and toxicology were also performed.
Results: The diagnosis of HS of the ileum with secondary nodal and cardiac metastatization was made.
Conclusions: A prompt diagnosis of HS in life is paramount because it can make a difference in prognostic outcomes.
Keywords: arrhythmia; autopsy; haematological malignancies; histiocytic sarcoma; leukaemia; lymphoma; myocarditis; sudden death.