An autopsy case of unexpected sudden death due to rupture of a thoracic aortic aneurysm into the left lung

Sudden death due to traumatic ascending aortic pseudoaneurysms ruptured into the esophagus: 2 case reports

We present 2 rare cases of patients with uncontrolled hemorrhagic shock induced by traumatic ascending aortic pseudoaneurysm rupture into the esophagus. Two men were presented to the hospital after traffic accidents. Their chest radiograph showed no obvious signs of aortic damage or aortic pseudoaneurysms but only a small amount of high-density shadow in the mediastinum and no specific clinical signs besides chest tightness or chest tenderness. The first case was misdiagnosed as pulmonary contusion and pleural effusion, and the second case was misdiagnosed as mediastinal lesions in the mediastina. They were given symptomatic and supportive treatment. Unfortunately, they died suddenly after >1 month of traumatic accident. At autopsy, ascending aortic pseudoaneurysms that broke into the esophagus and multiple organ hematocele were detected by gross examination. In histopathological examination, inflammatory cells and proliferated fibrous connective tissue were detected in the ascending aortic pseudoaneurysms, and the pathological gastrointestinal bleeding was not seen. The drugs and poisons were not found on toxicological analysis. The 2 patients died as a result of hemorrhagic shock from traumatic ascending aortic pseudoaneurysm rupture into the esophagus. We suggest that thoracic surgeon should be aware of the possibility of aortic injury after chest trauma to reduce misdiagnosis and prevent similar accidents.

Sudden death due to a dissecting intramural hematoma of the esophagus (DIHE) in a woman with severe neurofibromatosis-related scoliosis

Dissecting intramural hematoma of the esophagus (DIHE) is a rare condition in which intramural hemorrhage can lead to submucosal dissection of the esophageal wall. DIHE is generally considered a benign disease, and the only mortality associated with DIHE has been due to operative intervention or to the presence of another underlying, life-threatening condition. We report, however, a case of sudden death due to the spontaneous rupture of a DIHE that occurred in a 32-year-old woman, affected by neurofibromatosis type 1. She was admitted to the local emergency room, presenting a 24-hour history of sudden onset, severe central chest and interscapular pain associated with dysphagia, odynophagia and vomiting. Her condition worsened and proved fatal within a 6-hour period. A complete autopsy was then conducted, showing a complete dissecting intramural hematoma with laceration of the third superior of the esophagus. We can hypothesize that abnormal variations of gastro-esophageal pressure during ingurgitation and during bolus movement could be predisposing factors in the pathogenesis of the dissection. On the other hand angular kyphoscoliosis deformity may have had play a role as precipitating factor while vomiting in the subject's medical history can then be interpreted as the likely activation phenomenon.