Laryngeal cyst and sudden death

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dc.contributor.authorDada M.A.
dc.date.accessioned2011-05-15T16:17:22Z
dc.date.available2011-05-15T16:17:22Z
dc.date.issued1995
dc.description.abstractLaryngeal cysts are relatively uncommon and account for about five per cent of benign laryngeal lesions. The commonest location is the epiglottis. Pathologically these lesions may be divided into epithelial, tonsillar or oncocytic types. The patients may be asymptomatic or present with hoarseness, dysphagia, cough or airway obstruction. Epithelial cysts of the larynx, although histologically benign, may produce sudden and unexpected death from asphyxia. A case is presented of a 32-year-old female who was sexually assaulted and later found dead. Death was most likely due to laryngeal obstruction caused by an epiglottic cyst. Alcohol intoxication (BAC = 0.25g%) is likely to have been a contributory factor. In this case the results of the autopsy helped to exonerate the accused from being charged with murder. Other medico-legal problems that may be encountered with laryngeal cysts are difficulty in intubation and accidental rupture of a cyst during intubation or otolaryngeal examination.
dc.description.versionArticle
dc.identifier.citationMedicine, Science and the Law
dc.identifier.citation35
dc.identifier.citation1
dc.identifier.issn00258024
dc.identifier.urihttp://hdl.handle.net/10019.1/14187
dc.subjectalcohol
dc.subjectadult
dc.subjectalcohol intoxication
dc.subjectarticle
dc.subjectasphyxia
dc.subjectautopsy
dc.subjectcase report
dc.subjectcause of death
dc.subjectcyst
dc.subjectepiglottis
dc.subjectfemale
dc.subjecthuman
dc.subjectlarynx
dc.subjectlarynx mucosa
dc.subjectlarynx stenosis
dc.subjectpriority journal
dc.subjectsudden death
dc.subjectAdult
dc.subjectAirway Obstruction
dc.subjectAlcoholic Intoxication
dc.subjectCase Report
dc.subjectCysts
dc.subjectDeath, Sudden
dc.subjectFemale
dc.subjectHuman
dc.subjectLaryngeal Diseases
dc.titleLaryngeal cyst and sudden death
dc.typeArticle
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