Forensic Pathology for Police - Brainshare Public Online Library

230 10 Natural Deaths
Fig. 10.19 A colloid cyst of the third ventricle of the brain (arrow). This biologically benign tumor
caused sudden death due to the obstruction of the flow of cerebral spinal fluid
of a lung are not properly connected to the remainder of the lung, with infection or
other problems occurring. Minor anomalies, such as a bronchus arising from higher
up within the trachea (a so-called “tracheal bronchus”), can also cause death (usually
via infection), and may not be recognized clinically.
Neonatal Conditions
Meconium Aspiration: During the birth process, infants can aspirate amniotic fluid.
If the fetus has been distressed during the labor and birthing process, meconium
(the first bowel movement) may be contained within the amniotic fluid. Aspirated
meconium can be a serious insult to the newborn’s lungs, sometimes resulting in
death.
Hyaline Membrane Disease: The lungs of very premature infants do not contain
sufficient amounts of “pulmonary surfactant.” In the absence of this important
substance, the surface tension within the alveoli (air sacs) is not optimal, and inflammatory
substances fill and line the alveolar walls, causing “respiratory distress of the
newborn.” Death can result. Oxygen therapy can save some, but problems related to
oxygen toxicity can be long-term complications.
Upper Airway Conditions
The epiglottis is at the upper end of the larynx and functions to cover the airway
opening during swallowing, so that food does not enter the upper airway. Severe
swelling (occurring in an allergic reaction) or inflammation from infection (“epiglottitis”)
can cause lethal narrowing of the airway, resulting in an asphyxial death (Disc
Image 10.39).