Unusual death due to a bleeding from a varicose vein: a case report

BMC Research Notes

Theodore Vougiouklakis¹  George T Vougiouklakis¹  George Siozios¹  Vassiliki A Boumba¹  Antigoni Mitselou¹  Kleio Fragkouli¹ 

[1] Department of Forensic Medicine and Toxicology, University of Ioannina, Ioannina, Greece

关键词: Medical emergency;    Autopsy;    Massive hemorrhage;    Varicose vein rupture;   

Others  :  1165760
DOI  :  10.1186/1756-0500-5-488

 received in 2012-05-31, accepted in 2012-08-31,  发布年份 2012

【 摘 要 】

Background

Varicose veins are a common entity presenting a worldwide distribution. Although they are usually benign, sometimes are proved to be a threatening condition. Massive hemorrhage is an unusual complication of this common venous pathology that demands immediate medical intervention.

Case presentation

We present a case of a 66-year-old woman found dead in her house surrounded by a large quantity of blood. Autopsy revealed a 7 mm ulcer on the internal surface of the left lower leg communicating with a varicose vein, signs of exsanguinations and liver cirrhosis. Toxicological analysis was negative.

Conclusion

Massive hemorrhage from a ruptured varicosity is a severe medical emergency. Awareness of the risk of massive hemorrhage may provoke preventive treatment to be undertaken so as terminal loss of consciousness and a subsequent unattended death to be averted.

【 授权许可】

   
2012 Fragkouli et al.; licensee BioMed Central Ltd.

【 图 表 】

Figure 1.

Figure 2.

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