Fatal Iron Tablet Aspiration: Importance of Early Diagnosis and Forensic Pathologist Awareness.
Journal
The American journal of forensic medicine and pathology
ISSN: 1533-404X
Titre abrégé: Am J Forensic Med Pathol
Pays: United States
ID NLM: 8108948
Informations de publication
Date de publication:
13 Mar 2024
13 Mar 2024
Historique:
medline:
13
3
2024
pubmed:
13
3
2024
entrez:
13
3
2024
Statut:
aheadofprint
Résumé
Pill aspiration is a significant source of foreign body aspiration in the United States and can occur without swallowing dysfunction or illness. Consequences depend on various factors, such as the pill's chemical composition, size, and diagnostic delay. Aspiration of iron tablets poses a higher risk because of hydroxyl radical formation and subsequent caustic burns, inflammation, obstruction, and/or necrosis. We present a case of a middle-aged obese woman who died 3 weeks after aspirating an iron tablet. Autopsy revealed morbid obesity, a necrotic focus in the right middle lobe of the lung, bronchiolar granulation tissue with iron staining foreign matter, extending into an adjacent arteriole, and mural perforation of the hilar right middle lobe. Despite seeking medical attention twice, the patient was only accurately diagnosed postmortem. This case highlights the importance of accurate and timely diagnosis in preventing fatal outcomes. To enhance diagnostic accuracy and reduce morbidity and mortality associated with pill aspiration, clinicians should maintain a high level of suspicion for foreign body aspiration in patients with persistent or worsening respiratory symptoms. Furthermore, it is crucial for forensic pathologists to have a high index of suspicion about the potential for lethal pill aspiration and complications days after the acute event.
Identifiants
pubmed: 38477591
doi: 10.1097/PAF.0000000000000937
pii: 00000433-990000000-00170
doi:
Types de publication
Journal Article
Langues
eng
Sous-ensembles de citation
IM
Informations de copyright
Copyright © 2024 Wolters Kluwer Health, Inc. All rights reserved.
Déclaration de conflit d'intérêts
The authors report no conflict of interest.
Références
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