An Unusual Case of Sudden Death: Is There a Relationship Between Thyroid Disorders and Fatal Pulmonary Thromboembolism? A Case Report and Review of Literature.

In adults, the most common cause of sudden death is coronary heart disease or defects in the cardiac conduction system; however, there are many cases of sudden death occurring from other causes such as fatal pulmonary thromboembolism. Several risk factors are recognized, including hospitalization, surgery, obesity, pregnancy, the use of oral contraceptives, traumatic fractures, and genetic conditions, which cause hypercoagulable states such as factor V Leiden mutations. Although many risk factors have been identified, the mortality rate is still high. An association between thyroid disease and coagulation disorders has previously been demonstrated. However, scientific literature does not yet agree on the association between thyroid diseases and pulmonary thromboembolism. Excessive thyroid hormones can determine an alteration in the hemostatic system through different mechanisms, which lead to a hypercoagulable state. In forensic literature, there are no reports of fatal thromboembolism in patients with thyroid disorders. We reported a case of a 41-year-old woman who died during sexual activity. The autopsy findings highlighted the presence of massive pulmonary embolism. Histopathological analysis showed structural anomalies of the thyroid gland. A retrospective analysis of her medical history and possible genetic alterations were performed.

The role of forensic botany in crime scene investigation: case report and review of literature.

Management of a crime is the process of ensuring accurate and effective collection and preservation of physical evidence. Forensic botany can provide significant supporting evidences during criminal investigations. The aim of this study is to demonstrate the importance of forensic botany in the crime scene. We reported a case of a woman affected by dementia who had disappeared from nursing care and was found dead near the banks of a river that flowed under a railroad. Two possible ways of access to crime scene were identified and denominated "Path A" and "Path B." Both types of soil and plants were identified. Botanical survey was performed. Some samples of Xanthium Orientalis subsp. Italicum were identified. The fall of woman resulted in external injuries and vertebral fracture at autopsy. The botanical evidence is important when crime scene and autopsy findings are not sufficient to define the dynamics and the modality of death.