title: Dieulafoy lesion of the esophagus causing massive upper gastrointestinal bleeding and death: a case report.
abstract: Dieulafoy lesion is a rare cause of upper gastrointestinal bleeding. We present a case report of sudden and unexpected death in a previously healthy male where autopsy revealed a classic Dieulafoy lesion with a submucosal artery protruding through a small mucosal defect in the esophagus, thereby exposing it to stress and consequent rupture. Advances in endoscopic techniques have drastically reduced mortality from Dieulafoy lesion. Nevertheless, it is an important diagnosis to be kept in mind when autopsy reveals an upper gastrointestinal bleeding.
authors.affiliation: Department of Forensic Science, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Aarhus, Aarhus, Denmark. rikkekch@hotmail.com
authors.forename: Rikke Kjærgaard
authors.initials: RK
authors.lastname: Christoffersen
authors.forename: Trine Skov
authors.initials: TS
authors.lastname: Nielsen
authors.forename: Annie
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Vesterby
mesh_terms: D001158:Arteries / Q000002:abnormalities* / Q000293:injuries; D003645:Death, Sudden / Q000209:etiology*; D004947:Esophagus / Q000098:blood supply* / Q000473:pathology; D049429:Forensic Pathology; D006471:Gastrointestinal Hemorrhage / Q000209:etiology / Q000473:pathology*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009092:Mucous Membrane / Q000098:blood supply*; D012421:Rupture / Q000473:pathology