Neoplastic spread after trauma: natural death or manslaughter?

Med Sci Law. 2010 Apr;50(2):100-2. doi: 10.1258/msl.2010.010003.

Abstract

We report an unusual death of a seemingly healthy 26-year-old man due to diffuse metastasization of adrenal paraganglioma caused by rupture of the primitive tumour with subsequent massive haemorrhage after a relatively minor trauma. Our report describes the results of forensic investigation and discusses the possible mechanisms of metastasization.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Accidents / legislation & jurisprudence*
  • Adrenal Gland Neoplasms / pathology*
  • Adult
  • Embolism / pathology
  • Forensic Pathology
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Paraganglioma / pathology*
  • Rupture / etiology
  • Rupture / pathology
  • Violence
  • Wounds, Nonpenetrating / complications*