CAFE CORONARY
CAFE CORONARY is a rare condition in which a mostly healthy but grossly intoxicated person (Restaurant patron), who begins to a meal, suddenly turns into blue discoloration, coughs violently, then collapses and dies, without much fuss. Death appears to be due to the sudden heart attack. At autopsy, a large piece of the poorly chewed food (large bolus or a piece of meat) may be found obstructing the larynx.
A blow on the back or on the sternum may cause the coughing and expel out the foreign body. If this is not successful, the foreign body must be removed from the hypopharynx with the middle and index fingers or with the help oh forceps
PM FINDINGS OF CAFE CORONARY
- The foreign body which caused the occlusion of air- passages will be found in the part of mouth, larynx or trachea.
- When food or vomit is inhaled, particles of food can be found embedded in thick mucus within the trachea and bronchi. Some particles may even travel into the bronchioles. This situation differs from cases where food is pushed up the esophagus and ends up in the larynx after death.
- Signs of asphyxia will be seen.
Reference are-
Gagging-Choking | Forensic Pathology Online. http://www.forensicpathologyonline.com/e-book/asphyxia/gagging-choking
