Asphyxia in a confined space: a case report.
We describe a death in a hospital wardrobe of a 40-year-old male suffering from HIV infection and lobar pneumonia. On the basis of circumstantial evidence and autopsy findings we conclude that the cause of death was asphyxia in a confined space as a result of several pathomechanical factors. As well as establishing the cause and manner of death, the interpretation of the case involves the evaluation of the professional responsibility of the medical personnel. This report discusses different aspects concerning the cause, mechanism, and manner of death and illustrates various problems encountered in forensic pathology.
De Giorgio
Fabio
F
Institute of Legal Medicine, Catholic University of the Sacred Heart, School of Medicine, Rome, Italy. fdegiorgio@tiscalinet.it
Abbate
Antonio
A
Arena
Vincenzo
V
De Mercurio
Domenico
D
Fucci
Nadia
N
Vetrugno
Giuseppe
G
D000328:Adult; D001237:Asphyxia / Q000401:mortality*; D001344:Autopsy; D020378:Confined Spaces; D006801:Humans; D007297:Inpatients; D007558:Italy; D008297:Male