ABSTRACT

Massive aspiration of food is rare, but most common in people under the influence of alcohol or a drug and comatose patients who have impaired functioning of the central nervous system. The finding of small amounts of food material in the airway at autopsy does not indicate the true vital aspiration because of agonal or even early post-mortem overspills. The autopsy reports and other investigation data of adults, with a final diagnosis of death secondary to aspiration between the period January 1996 – December 2005 were presented

In our 10 year retrospective study the autopsy reports and other investigation data of 21 male and 4 female cases was presented with a final diagnosis of fatal aspiration in age from 23 to 78 years (45.43±14.61) from the records of Morgue Specialization Department of the Council of Forensic Medicine between the period of 1996–2005. 13 cases found death at the scene without an eyewitness. All deaths were accidental in manner except one homicide. Toxicological analysis revealed blood alcohol concentration levels between 161 and 339 mg/dL in 7 cases. Morphine metabolites, benzodiazepine and barbituric acid derivatives, toluene and acetone were detected in 5 subjects. Aspirated materials were food in 14 cases, chewing gum in 3 cases, gastric content in 7 cases and a fabric gag in one case.

The history, other evidence of external vomit on the clothing or immediate surroundings and toxicological analysis are by no means as significant as autopsy findings especially in cases of aspiration.