Sudden death in young adults: an autopsy-based series of a population undergoing active surveillance.

Objectives: The purpose of this study was to define the incidence and characterization of cardiovascular cause of sudden death in the young.

Background: The epidemiology of sudden cardiac death (SCD) in young adults is based on small studies and uncontrolled observations. Identifying causes of sudden death in this population is important for guiding approaches to prevention.

Early mortality experience in a large military cohort and a comparison of mortality data sources.

Background: Complete and accurate ascertainment of mortality is critically important in any longitudinal study. Tracking of mortality is particularly essential among US military members because of unique occupational exposures (e.g.

Incidence of primary blast injury in US military overseas contingency operations: a retrospective study.

Objectives: The present retrospective study was performed to determine the incidence and outcome of primary blast injury and to identify possible changes over the course of the conflicts between 2003 and 2006.

Summary Background Data: Combat physicians treating patients injured in overseas contingency operations observed an increase in the severity of explosion injuries occurring during this period.

Methods: This retrospective study included service members injured in explosions between March 2003 and October 2006.

Chest wall thickness in military personnel: implications for needle thoracentesis in tension pneumothorax.

Needle thoracentesis is an emergency procedure to relieve tension pneumothorax. Published recommendations suggest use of angiocatheters or needles in the 5-cm range for emergency treatment. Multidetector computed tomography scans from 100 virtual autopsy cases were used to determine chest wall thickness in deployed male military personnel.

Virtual autopsy: preliminary experience in high-velocity gunshot wound victims.

Purpose: To retrospectively assess virtual autopsy performed with multidetector computed tomography (CT) for the forensic evaluation of gunshot wound victims.

Materials And Methods: The institutional review board approved this HIPAA-compliant study and did not require informed consent of the next of kin. Thirteen consecutive male gunshot wound victims (mean age, 27 years) were scanned with 16-section multidetector CT prior to routine autopsy.

Fatal meningitis in a previously healthy young adult caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae serotype 38: an emerging serotype?

Background: In December 2001, a fatal case of pneumococcal meningitis in a Marine Corps recruit was identified. As pneumococcal vaccine usage in recruit populations is being considered, an investigation was initiated into the causative serotype.

Case Presentation: Traditional and molecular methods were utilized to determine the serotype of the infecting pneumococcus.

Venous thromboembolism among United States soldiers deployed to Southwest Asia.

Introduction: Military operations may represent a high-risk environment for venous thromboembolism (VTE). We sought to identify and describe cases of venous thromboembolism among US military personnel serving in Southwest Asia, and estimate relative disease rates compared to non-deployed personnel.

Materials And Methods: Retrospective review of imaging archives, hospital discharge codes, case logs and autopsy records for the diagnosis of deep vein thrombosis or pulmonary embolism occurring from 1 March 2003 through 29 February 2004 among U.

Sudden death in young adults: a 25-year review of autopsies in military recruits.

Background: Sudden death among military recruits is a rare but devastating occurrence. Because extensive medical data are available on this cross-sectional and diverse population, identification of the underlying causes of sudden death may promote health care policy to reduce the incidence of sudden death.

Objective: To determine the causes of nontraumatic sudden death among a cohort of military recruits.