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Published in: International Journal of Legal Medicine 1/2021

01-01-2021 | Air Embolism | Case Report

Vaginal laceration leading to air embolism during consensual sexual intercourse

Authors: L. Lohner, J.-P. Sperhake, K. Püschel, E.-C. Burandt, A. Heinemann, S. Anders

Published in: International Journal of Legal Medicine | Issue 1/2021

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Abstract

Vaginal injuries with clinical complications apart from local bleeding following sexual intercourse are thought to be rare events that have recently fostered a discussion on the topic. We report a case of a vaginal laceration resulting in death caused by air embolism in a non-pregnant woman during consensual sexual intercourse with digital and penile penetration. Hysterectomy and a preexisting vaginal injury were additional risk factors present in this case. Besides case history and autopsy findings, histological examination of the vaginal lesion and postmortem computer tomography (PMCT) helped in diagnosing the cause of death and underlying pathophysiological mechanisms.
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Metadata
Title
Vaginal laceration leading to air embolism during consensual sexual intercourse
Authors
L. Lohner
J.-P. Sperhake
K. Püschel
E.-C. Burandt
A. Heinemann
S. Anders
Publication date
01-01-2021
Publisher
Springer Berlin Heidelberg
Published in
International Journal of Legal Medicine / Issue 1/2021
Print ISSN: 0937-9827
Electronic ISSN: 1437-1596
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s00414-020-02433-7

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