Fatal haemorrhage from a lower limb varicose vein rupture: two case reports

Abstract

BackgroundChronic venous disease is one of the most prevalent pathologies today. In Portugal, as in other western countries, its prevalence is high, affecting around 35% of the adult population. It is a chronic and progressive condition that, despite generally benign, may course with major complications, like severe bleeding.Case presentationWe present the cases of a 47-year-old man and of an 82-year-old woman, with chronic venous disease and obesity, whose deaths occurred from lower limb varicose vein rupture. The gathered circumstantial information, the presence of large amounts of blood on the bodies’ surfaces and clothes, and malleolus ulcers agree with the fatalities reported in scientific literature.ConclusionsThese cases are peculiar, both from a forensic pathology and from a clinical perspective. We want to raise awareness among the medical community about this major complication that is linked with a disease commonly perceived as benign, but that can result in a medical emergency. We also underline the importance of educating patients to this possible outcome.