The role of the forensic medicine in the investigation of sudden death

Abstract

The role of forensic medicine in the investigation of sudden death is crucial, since from the legal point of view, as well as in its form of presentation, as well as the lack of knowledge of a previous natural pathology or, where appropriate, the lack of witnesses, make it a “suspicious” death. Hence, the forensic pathologist is responsible for determining its precise cause. The autopsy can represent in these cases the first and last opportunity to make the correct diagnosis of the cause of death, which is of utmost relevance, especially for relatives. Despite its relevance, more research still needs to be done, especially related to non-cardiovascular sudden death.