Sudden Death by Myocardial Infarction Simulating Drowning

Abstract

This case demonstrates the importance of a thorough forensic investigation, particularly in histological terms, in subjects found dead in water, in order to ascertain the real cause of death, which may not be always assigned to asphyxia by drowning. In order to evaluate the relevance of totally 171 autopsy reports of infants, macroscopic and microscopic findings, and body measures at autopsy, microscopic investigations on the degree of alveolar expansion performed on the lung specimens, were obtained. One victim suffered from depression with psychotic episodes, whereas more detailed background information for the other victim wasn't available.