Nicht oder verspätet diagnostizierte letale Schädel-Hirn-Traumen: Behandlungsfehlervorwurf als Anlass der rechtsmedizinischen Sektion

Translated title of the contribution: Not or delayed diagnosed fatal head injuries: Accusation of treatment error as the reason for medico-legal autopsy

J. Preuß-Wössner*, B. Madea, R. Dettmeyer

*Corresponding author for this work
    1 Citation (Scopus)

    Abstract

    Craniocerebral injury (CCI) including the central nervous system (CNS) and intracranial hemorrhages are well known to be caused by blunt force, either due to e.g. beating or due to a fall. Rapid diagnostic investigations and therapeutic actions are necessary and decisive for the course of disease and sometimes for survival. Delays in the discovery of injuries or those first uncovered by autopsy, such as subdural hematomas, subarachnoidal bleeding and brain contusions can lead to death. In such cases, malpractice charges may arise, especially concerning an unacceptable delay to initiate radiological investigations. Patients under the influence of alcohol are often affected. The following study includes 151 cases of malpractice charges with suspected errors in treatment. Data concerning the patients were collected and the circumstances leading to craniocerebral injury were analyzed as well as the medical measures undertaken. There were 120 cases with craniocerebral injury following falls and 10 cases were found with medical malpractice ascertained by expert opinions and leading to death. The omission of further radiological investigations was criticized by the courts dealing with the accusations as constituting medical negligence.

    Translated title of the contributionNot or delayed diagnosed fatal head injuries: Accusation of treatment error as the reason for medico-legal autopsy
    Original languageGerman
    JournalRechtsmedizin
    Volume21
    Issue number4
    Pages (from-to)280-285
    Number of pages6
    ISSN0937-9819
    DOIs
    Publication statusPublished - 08.2011

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