Cardiac Inhibitory Reflex as a Cause/Mechanism of Death

• NCJ Number: 246261
• Journal: Journal of Forensic Sciences Volume: 58 Issue: 6 Dated: November 2013 Pages: 1644-1647
• Author(s): Jose M. Suárez-Peñaranda Ph.D.; Cristina Cordeiro M.D.; Marisol Rodríguez-Calvo Ph.D.; Duarte N. Vieira Ph.D.; Jose I. Muñoz-Barús Ph.D.
• Date Published: November 2013
• Length: 4 pages
• Publication Format: Article
• Publication Type: Report (Study/Research)
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

The role of cardiac inhibitory reflex as a potential cause of death is still a matter of debate.

Abstract

The role of cardiac inhibitory reflex as a potential cause of death is still a matter of debate. This study reports two cases of death under unusual circumstances. Case 1 corresponds to a man found hanging where the role of ligature compression of the carotid sinus became relevant as a possible explanation of death. In Case 2, the participation of a vasovagal syncope was clearly triggered by the laryngoscopic procedure. It is proposed that cardiac inhibitory reflex should be taken into account in those cases of unexpected death, which fulfills the following three criteria: i. The investigation of the circumstances of the death is consistent with a hypothesis of cardiac arrest. ii. A typical triggering peripheral stimulus is present. iii. The performance of a complete autopsy cannot rule out the participation of a cardiac inhibitory reflex in the cause of death. Abstract published by arrangement with Wiley.