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Arch Iran Med. 2025;28(9): 530-535.
doi: 10.34172/aim.34401
  Abstract View: 29
  PDF Download: 11

Case Report

Fatal Isolated Right Ventricular Rupture Without External Chest Injury in a Young Driver: Forensic Autopsy Findings After a One-Sided Vehicle Collision

Yusuf Atan 1,2 ORCID logo, Mehmet Doğan 1* ORCID logo, Ferah Karayel 1 ORCID logo, İbrahim Üzün 1,3 ORCID logo

1 Council of Forensic Medicine, Ministry of Justice, Republic of Turkiye, Istanbul, Turkiye
2 Forensic Medicine Department, Bilecik Seyh Edebali University Faculty of Medicine, Bilecik, Turkiye
3 Forensic Medicine Department, Istanbul University Cerrahpasa Faculty of Medicine, Istanbul, Turkiye
*Corresponding Author: Mehmet Doğan, Email: drmehmetdoganmd@gmail.com

Abstract

Traumatic deaths are common, with cardiac trauma affecting 7‒12% of patients with thoracic injuries. Blunt cardiac injury (BCI), although rare, is associated with a high mortality rate. This report presents a case of blunt cardiac rupture (BCR) observed at autopsy despite the absence of external chest trauma, suggesting the presence of severe internal injuries. A 19-year-old male was found dead in his vehicle which had collided with a wall. At the crime scene investigation, external examination revealed no substantial chest wall injuries in the individual despite significant damage to the vehicle. Autopsy revealed a 2-cm rupture of the right ventricle (heart), accompanied by 400 cc of partially coagulated blood in the pericardial cavity, consistent with cardiac tamponade. Pregabalin was detected in the toxicology analysis, but not in lethal concentrations. Traffic accidents are a major cause of BCI, typically resulting from compression of the heart between the thoracic structures during high-energy impacts. BCR is particularly fatal and often results in rapid death before arrival to the hospital. The absence of external trauma in the current case underscores the need for thorough internal examination in trauma-related deaths.

Cite this article as: Atan Y, Doğan M, Karayel F, Üzün İ. Fatal isolated right ventricular rupture without external chest injury in a young driver: forensic autopsy findings after a one-sided vehicle collision. Arch Iran Med. 2025;28(9):530-535. doi: 10.34172/aim.34401
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Abstract View: 29

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Submitted: 16 Apr 2025
Accepted: 12 Jul 2025
ePublished: 01 Sep 2025
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