RTA fails, Cyanide Succeeds: A Case Report

Abstract

This is a rare case of homicidal cyanide poisoning. It was a case of Head injury due to Road  traffic accident admitted in hospital for treatment. After more than a month of treatment, the patient  recovered from head injury and was about to get discharge; when suddenly he became unconscious and  died within two hours in spite of resuscitation. At autopsy other than the findings of head injury, the  stomach contents had a peculiar smell and the organs were bright red in colour which created suspicion.  Hence, the organs were sent for chemical analysis which revealed cyanide poisoning. These are the days  where debate is going on regarding the necessity of autopsy in RTA cases. So, by presenting this case  we would like to stress the importance of autopsy in RTA cases and the need of Chemical analysis of  viscera even in admitted cases if there is any suspicion of foul play.