Tanatogenetic aspects of brain injury associated with hemorrhagic shock in human
Indiaminov, S.I.
Sudebno-Meditsinskaia Ekspertiza 53(3): 4-6
2010
ISSN/ISBN: 0039-4521 PMID: 20734780 Document Number: 639179
Cadaverous brains of 21 men and women were available for investigation. All the subjects died in a hospital from hemorrhagic shock (HS) caused by stab injuries to internal organs and blood vessels. In 9 cases, blood and urine contained no traces of ethyl alcohol; it was detected in the blood of 12 cases (1.0-3.8 per thousand). Histological methods were used to examine field 6 of the brain hemispheres, the wall of the third ventricle with a fragment of pituitary, the wall of the fourth ventricle with the adjacent portion of medulla oblongata, and pia mater. It was shown that impossibility of reperfusion of cerebral vessels, especially those involved in microcirculation, plays the leading role in tanatogenesis associated with hemorrhagic shock. "Blockade" of the brain vascular system results in metabolic disturbances in neurons and neuroglia and their lesions regarded as the immediate cause of death. Acute alcohol intoxication concomitant with hemorrhagic shock accelerates tanatogenesis due to serious changes in the brain vascular system, neurons, and neuroglia.