title: Fatal cardiac tamponade by Bodkin.
abstract: Cardiac tamponade is life-threatening, slow or rapid compression of the heart due to the pericardial accumulation of fluid, pus, blood, clots or gas, as a result of effusion, trauma or rupture of the heart. Penetrating injuries of the chest are most commonly the result of stab wounds and are often associated with a range of potentially life-threatening injuries. It must be treated by pericardial drainage as soon as possible. Sometimes the injury resulting in life-threatening conditions may be so small that it could be missed in the first instance. We present a case report in which the deceased was stabbed by Bodkin at road side. As the wound was so minute, it was not appreciated and time was lost in getting treatment, resulting in loss of a precious life.
authors.affiliation: Department of Forensic Medicine, University College of Medical Sciences, Delhi, India. dr_karvind@yahoo.co.in
authors.forename: Arvind
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Kumar
authors.forename: Anil
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Kohli
authors.forename: S K
authors.initials: SK
authors.lastname: Verma
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D002305:Cardiac Tamponade / Q000209:etiology*; D049429:Forensic Pathology; D006325:Heart Atria / Q000293:injuries / Q000473:pathology; D006801:Humans; D007194:India; D008297:Male; D010490:Pericardial Effusion / Q000150:complications* / Q000209:etiology / Q000473:pathology; D010496:Pericardium / Q000293:injuries / Q000473:pathology; D011667:Pulmonary Veins / Q000293:injuries / Q000473:pathology; D054041:Weapons; D014951:Wounds, Stab / Q000150:complications*