Pulmonary Embolism as a Cause of Death in Medico-legal Death in North of Jordan in the Period of 2017-2021

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Background: Pulmonary embolism (PE) is a potentially fatal illness where blood clots block the arteries in the lungs. These clots typically come from the deep veins in the lower limbs. It is a significant contributor to illness and death on a global scale. Objective: This study aims to analyze the forensic deaths resulting from PE in the northern region of Jordan, namely those received at the Forensic Medicine Teaching Centre in Irbid, Jordan, between the years 2017 and 2021. Methods: A retrospective study was conducted to collect data from files of cases diagnosed with PE as a prime cause of death. The study sample included 80 cases of PE. A working Excel spreadsheet was created to collect data for all cases. Data analysis was made using the SPSS software version 21. Descriptive statistics were used to describe and represent data in tables. Result: During a span of 5 years, a total of 80 instances of death caused by PE were examined. Our study revealed that 55% of the cases were females, and the bulk of fatalities (67.6%) took place during the cold months of winter and fall. Regarding the age group, it was discovered that 46.3% of individuals fell within the age range of 25 to 45 years. 45% of the cases were not obese, and 81.3% of the cases had no history of prior surgery. Out of the total number of cases, 66.3% had not been immobilized. Additionally, 88.6% of the female cases were not pregnant, and 82.5% of cases did not have any prior trauma. Most individuals had large thromboembolism 56.3% and 70% of patients exhibited emboli in both pulmonary arteries. Out of all the patients, 76.3% exhibited lung congestion, whereas only 15% reported discharge. Conclusion: Multiple reasons cause PE deaths in northern Jordan. Female death rates rise somewhat, mostly among 25-45-year-olds. Recent surgery, trauma, and immobility dramatically affect PE death rates. Obese people had a lower PE mortality rate than non-obese people. Winter and fall have a somewhat greater PE rate than summer and spring.