The potential lethality of caput medusae. (April 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Russo, Marianna; Bolcato, Matteo; Aprile, Anna
• Is Part Of: Medicine, science and the law. Volume 61:Number 2(2021)
• Page Start: 155
• Page End: 157
• Publication Date: 2021-04
• Subjects: Caput medusae -- variceal rupture -- variceal bleeding -- abdominal varices -- haemorrhaging; Forensic sciences -- Periodicals; Medical laws and legislation -- Great Britain -- Periodicals; 614.105
• DOI: 10.1177/0025802420986704
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0025-8024

Abstract

While gastro-oesophageal varices commonly complicate portal hypertension and may be a life-threatening condition, fatal haemorrhaging from cirrhosis-related caput medusae has seldom been described in the scientific literature. This article documents a rare death due to the rupture of a varix in the umbilical area. This case raises a number of points for medico-legal discussion, such as the negative consequences of an erroneous cause of death in evaluating medical malpractice cases and the importance of a thorough external examination of the body in order to ensure this type of vascular lesion is not overlooked.