A Typical Kronlein Shot? A Rare Case of Submental-Facio-Cranial Bullet Trajectory with Brain Exenteration

Luv Sharma Tarun Dagar

doi:10.4172/2157-7145.1000s3-002

Abstract

The shot (evisceration of the brain) is a very rare injury of the skull caused by a high-velocity bullet. This type of low-range shot wound involves is a broad opening of the skull with laceration of the dura mater. In the past, several cases of this particular injury have been reported and all led to immediate death. R U Kronlein first described this phenomenon in 1889. Since then, this unique firearm wound and its mechanics have been discussed from time to time. The authors present an atypical presentation of Kronlein shot, wherein the entry wound was situated on the submandibular triangle instead of the typical head region. The bullet track was through the floor of mouth, further on to enter the cranial cavity to cause a blowout fracture defect with the brain being eviscerated out of the skull.

Highlights

Firearm wounds to the head invariably have typical entry and exit wounds or solely entry wounds when the projectile has not ejected the skull
The authors present an atypical presentation of Kronlein shot, wherein the entry wound was situated on the submandibular triangle instead of the typical head region
This paper reports a bilaterally symmetrical cranio-facial fracture pattern that is observed in a self-inflicted, midline gunshot entry wound placed on the submandibular (Digastric) triangle with resultant exenteration of the brain

Summary

Introduction

Firearm wounds to the head invariably have typical entry and exit wounds or solely entry wounds when the projectile has not ejected the skull. The "Krönlein" shot (evisceration of the brain) is a very rare injury of the skull caused by a high-velocity bullet. The authors present an atypical presentation of Kronlein shot, wherein the entry wound was situated on the submandibular triangle instead of the typical head region.

Results

Conclusion