Death due to sickle cell crisis: a case report

Sickle cell disease (SCD) is the most common hereditary hemoglobinopathy worldwide. It results in characteristic acute and chronic findings on postmortem computed tomography (PMCT), macroscopic and microscopic examinations. While the diagnostic imaging and macroscopic features are not specific for SCD on their own, when coupled with microscopic features such as sickled erythrocytes and evidence of chronic venous congestion (i.e., Gamna-Gandy bodies), these clues can help alert forensic pathologists to the presence of SCD. Despite the prevalence of the disease and the constellation of findings alluded to above, SCD is not often explored in forensic pathology literature. This case demonstrates classic acute and chronic features of SCD on PMCT, macroscopic and microscopic examinations. It explores the pathophysiology leading to sudden and unexpected death in a person with SCD and possible pitfalls in attribution of cause of death.

Pseudofungi: A Diagnostic Pitfall

Pseudofungi are septate hyphae-like structures very similar morphologically to true fungal elements. Histologically their presence poses a diagnostic challenge as they mimic fungal infection. Accurate identification of pseudofungi is required to avoid unnecessary treatment, and this can be accomplished by careful morphologic analysis with the use of appropriate histochemical stains. We report a patient with pseudofungi within a paratracheal lymph node, describe the morphologic findings, and discuss the differential diagnosis.