This is the report of a forensic autopsy case in which a driver collided with the curb because of untreated disease. A 58-year-old man had suffered from hypertension but had not received medical examinations. He presented to a medical clinic complaining of cough and general fatigue with facial edema. Electrocardiogram and chest radiographs confirmed a diagnosis of heart failure. The patient was advised to visit the general hospital for further diagnostics and treatment, and left the clinic to drive himself to the hospital. While driving, the patient’s vehicle collided with the curb at 20 km/h. Immediately after the collision, the patient was taken to the emergency medical hospital. Enhanced computed tomography examination revealed a lung tumor compressing the patient’s superior vena cava. Although intensive treatment was provided for heart failure, the patient’s condition did not improve and he died the following day. Forensic autopsy revealed a right lung tumor with invasion and compression of the superior vena cava. Histologically the tumor was diagnosed as small cell lung carcinoma. No injuries were noted on the body surface, bones, or viscera. The cause of death was determined to be superior vena cava syndrome resulting from small cell lung carcinoma. The cause of the accident was attributed to the symptom of this disease. For traffic collision, actual cause must be investigated. Especially in cases resulting in the death of the driver, detailed investigations of both the actual cause of death and the cause of the collision are required with forensic autopsy. Our case suggested that the driver’s untreated disease affected his ability to maneuver the vehicle and caused the collision. To prevent collisions, health check-ups are necessary for drivers, to prevent sudden onset of illness or deterioration of signs or symptoms of disease.
View full abstract
