Journal Published Online: 01 November 1998
Volume 43, Issue 6

Death Following Minor Head Trauma in Two Adult Individuals with the Chiari I Deformity

CODEN: JFSCAS

Abstract

Reports of sudden death associated with minor head trauma in adults with the Chiari I malformation are rare. We describe two such cases, occurring in a 71-year-old individual and in a 22-year-old individual. In both cases, postmortem examination revealed prominent cerebellar tonsillar herniation and, in one, associated tonsillar sclerosis and hydrocephalus. Evidence of trauma was minimal in both, and was not sufficient to explain these fatalities. We describe the neuropathologic findings and discuss the differential diagnostic considerations in these cases of sudden death. The implications regarding manner of death are also emphasized.

Author Information

Wolf, DA
University of Texas Medical Branch, Department of Pathology, Division of Neuropathology, Galveston, TX
Veasey, SP
University of Texas Medical Branch, Department of Pathology, Division of Autopsy, Galveston, TX
Wilson, SK
University of Texas Medical Branch, Department of Pathology, Division of Autopsy, Galveston, TX
Adame, J
Galveston County Medical Examiner Office, Galveston, TX
Korndorffer, WE
Galveston County Medical Examiner Office, Galveston, TX
Pages: 3
Price: $25.00
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Stock #: JFS14394J
ISSN: 0022-1198
DOI: 10.1520/JFS14394J