Medicolegal Aspects of Post‐traumatic Gastroduodenal Ulcers: A Retrospective Study* |
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| Authors: | Slobodan Savic M.D. Ph.D. Radmila Stevanovic M.D. M.A. Djordje Alempijevic M.D. Ph.D. Stojan Petkovic M.D. Ph.D. Ivanka Baralic M.D. Ph.D. |
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| Affiliation: | 1. Institute of Forensic Medicine, Medical School, University of Belgrade, Serbia.;2. Institute of Pathology, Medical School, University of Belgrade, Serbia.;3. Institute of Forensic Medicine, Clinical Centre of Vojvodina, Novi Sad, Serbia. |
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| Abstract: | Abstract: Retrospective examination of 5‐year autopsy material showed the presence of posttraumatic gastroduodenal ulcers (PGDU) in 17.7% of decedents deemed to be at risk. They were more common in males (77%) and in patients aged over 50. In the majority of cases (76%) the survival period was <12 days; in 16.5% it was < 48 h. PGDU developed most commonly in victims of polytrauma and isolated craniocerebral injury, with ISS values ≥16; patients with spinal cord injuries were at greatest risk. Most frequently affected was the stomach, exhibiting numerous, usually superficial lesions, while solitary acute and exacerbated chronic peptic ulcers were more common in the duodenum. Complications of PGDU developed in 40% of cases, mostly in the form of hemorrhage; in 20% of cases PGDU have contributed to death. Medicolegal aspects of PGDU are, most frequently, concerned with the causal relationship between trauma, PGDU, and fatal outcome, as well as the potential for allegations of medical negligence. |
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| Keywords: | forensic science forensic pathology stress ulcers gastroduodenal ulcers posttraumatic complication gastrointestinal hemorrhage medicolegal aspects |
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