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Published in: International Journal of Legal Medicine 3/2018

01-05-2018 | Case Report

Histological criteria for age determination of fatal venous thromboembolism

Authors: Valeria Maffeis, Lorenzo Nicolè, Claudio Rago, Ambrogio Fassina

Published in: International Journal of Legal Medicine | Issue 3/2018

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Abstract

In clinical and forensic practice, fatal thromboembolism is a major problem, particularly in a patient with no pre-existing risk factors. Out of a recent case, we discuss here the criteria for age determination of venous thrombi in a 46-year-old female with concomitant deep vein thrombosis in the common femoral left vein and in the right heart and fatal pulmonary embolism. At autopsy, histopathology and immunohistochemistry evidenced the different composition of thrombi in different sites and permitted to define the different timing. We discuss and review the histopathological criteria for age estimation of venous thrombi starting from the case and in relation to the acquired and inherited thrombophilic risk factors. The appropriateness of clinical management is also discussed.
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Metadata
Title
Histological criteria for age determination of fatal venous thromboembolism
Authors
Valeria Maffeis
Lorenzo Nicolè
Claudio Rago
Ambrogio Fassina
Publication date
01-05-2018
Publisher
Springer Berlin Heidelberg
Published in
International Journal of Legal Medicine / Issue 3/2018
Print ISSN: 0937-9827
Electronic ISSN: 1437-1596
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s00414-017-1705-4

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