A case of lethal varicose vein rupture caused by massive leiomyoma. (November 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Fassina, Giacomo; Rigato, Selene; Fassan, Matteo; Rotter, Gabriele; Sanavio, Matteo; Cecchetto, Giovanni; Viel, Guido
• Is Part Of: Forensic science international. Volume 328(2021)
• Publication Date: 2021-11
• Subjects: Forensic pathology -- Forensic autopsy -- Forensic histology -- Death scene investigation -- Blood pattern analysis -- Varicose vein; Medical jurisprudence -- Periodicals; Chemistry, Forensic -- Periodicals; Forensic Medicine -- Periodicals; Médecine légale -- Périodiques; Chimie légale -- Périodiques; Gerechtelijke geneeskunde; Gerechtelijke chemie; Gerechtelijke psychiatrie; Chemistry, Forensic; Medical jurisprudence; Electronic journals; Periodicals; Electronic journals; 614.1
• DOI: 10.1016/j.forsciint.2021.111039
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0379-0738

Abstract

Highlights: A multi-disciplinary forensic approach is recommendable in any suspicious death. Death scene investigation (DSI) and blood pattern analysis (BPA) could be useful. Even a benign medical disorder can lead to death under some specific circumstances. Forensic autopsy with histology is recommendable in such cases. Abstract: Varicose veins are a common and benign disease, especially affecting the lower limbs of the elderly. This pathology can exhibit several complications, which in the majority of cases do not require medical treatment; life-threatening conditions are possible but extremely rare. We present here a suspected murder case in which a woman was found dead in her home with a large amount of blood soiling the floor and the furniture of her house. Death scene investigation (DSI) with body inspection and bloodstain pattern analysis (BPA) were not exhaustive in excluding a homicide, and the prosecutor asked for a forensic autopsy. During the dissection, a uterine neoplasia, which altered the lower limb venous system, was detected, thus allowing to reconstruct the physio-pathological mechanism of the formation and rupture of the varicose vein.