Rupture of heart: A dilemma in diagnosis

Abstract

Post-mortem artefact is defined as "any change caused or a feature introduced into a body after death thatis likely to lead to misinterpretation of medically significant ante mortem findings." Autopsy surgeon shouldbe able to distinguish between ante-mortem and post-mortem injury, misinterpretation of such artefacts canlead to a wrong diagnosis of cause of death. Some artefacts are produced in two intervals between deathand autopsy while others are during the autopsy. In the present case, post-mortem artefact was introducedduring autopsy, that is, rupture of heart led to a dilemma as to the real cause of death. Its implication andproposed cause are being presented herewith