Patterns of death among avalanche fatalities: a 21-year review.

Background: Avalanches are a significant cause of winter recreational fatalities in mountain regions. The purpose of this study was to determine the relative contributions of trauma and asphyxia to avalanche deaths.

Methods: We reviewed all avalanche fatalities between 1984 and 2005 that had been investigated by the offices of the British Columbia Coroners Service and the Chief Medical Examiner of Alberta.

Abnormalities of the bronchial arteries in asthma.

Study Objectives: The bronchial arteries supply systemic blood to the airways, tracheobronchial lymph nodes, and nerves. Their structure has not been studied in patients with asthma.

Design: Case-control study of pathologic changes of bronchial arteries in asthma.