Immunohistochemical determination of the extracellular matrix modulation in a rat model of choline-deprived myocardium: the effects of carnitine.

Choline has been identified as an essential nutrient with crucial role in many vital biological functions. Recent studies have demonstrated that heart dysfunction can develop in the setting of choline deprivation even in the absence of underlying heart disease. Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are responsible for extracellular matrix degradation, and the dysregulation of MMP-2 and MMP-9 has been involved in the pathogenesis of various cardiovascular disorders.

Advanced bronchogenic carcinoma presented as cardiac tamponade: a case report and a review of the literature.

Although most fatal lung tumors are well diagnosed before a patient's death, occasionally forensic pathologists encounter cases of sudden death in which the presence of a primary small cell lung carcinoma was not suspected. We present the case of a 49-year-old man asymptomatic until 2 days before his death. The autopsy revealed a huge tumorous mass originating from the central bronchus, infiltrating the large vessels, pulmonary parenchyma, pericardium, and the right ventricle of the heart.

Undiagnosed primary cardiac liposarcoma in an adult: a case report and review of the literature.

Well-differentiated liposarcomas are locally aggressive malignant mesenchymal neoplasms, which rarely metastasize to the heart and pericardium. Primary cardiac liposarcomas are extremely rare as well, and in both instances, symptoms are difficult to recognize. Therefore, accurate antemortem diagnosis seldom happens.

Evaluation of coronary stenosis with the aid of quantitative image analysis in histological cross sections.

Coronary artery atherosclerosis is a hugely prevalent condition in the Western World and is often encountered during autopsy. Atherosclerotic plaques can cause luminal stenosis: which, if over a significant level (75%), is said to contribute to cause of death. Estimation of stenosis can be macroscopically performed by the forensic pathologists at the time of autopsy or by microscopic examination.

Fatal hypernatraemia after laparoscopic treatment of hydatid liver cyst: medical and legal concerns of a rare complication.

A case of fatal hypernatraemia after laparoscopic treatment of hydatid livers cysts is presented in order to highlight the risks associated with the implementation of newer techniques and the use of hypertonic saline as a scolecocidal agent in hydatid disease. Additionally this case raises some concerns on the importance of obtaining a patient's informed consent.

The vulnerable atherosclerotic plaque: evaluation of the lipid core in human coronary arteries using morphometry.

In Greece, mortality due to coronary artery disease has alarmingly increased during the past 3 decades, especially among younger adults between 30 and 40 years old. Many studies have been conducted over the years in an effort to interpret the presence of acute coronary phenomena-myocardial infarction, thrombosis, and sudden death-in early diagnosis and treatment. The current study focuses on postmortem data from individuals who had sudden coronary death.

Sudden unexpected death from oligodendroglioma: a case report and review of the literature.

Sudden and unexpected deaths due to asymptomatic 5 primary brain tumors are extremely rare, with an incidence that ranges from 0.16 to 3.2%.