Spontaneous Rupture of the Liver Seen at Autopsy: A Case Report of a Rare  Cause of Death in Custody and Literature Review

Authors

  • Umobong Emanso Okop Department of Laboratory Medicine, State House Clinic, Abuja,Nigeria.
  • Ojo Babarinde Akintunde Department of Anatomic Pathology,Benue State University,Makurdi,Nigeria
  • Ugwu Ifeanyi Victor Department of Anatomic Pathology, National Orthopedic Hospital,Enugu,Nigeia.
  • Ngbea Joseph Aondowase Department of Anatomic Pathology,Benue State University,Makurdi,Nigeria
  • Gbaa Luke Zulum Department of Surgery, Benue State University,Makurdi,Nigeria
  • Anenga Racheal Nguveren Department of Anatomic Pathology,Benue State University,Makurdi,Nigeria
  • Agwa Moses Nabem Department of Anatomic Pathology,Benue State University,Makurdi,Nigeria
  • Gyenger Terkula David Department of Anatomic Pathology,Benue State University,Makurdi,Nigeria
  • Collins Msughter Orhungush Department of Anatomic Pathology,Benue State University,Makurdi,Nigeria

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.48165/iijfmt.2025.23.2.3

Keywords:

Spontaneous liver rupture, death in custody

Abstract

Death in custody is a death of a person in the custody of the police or other authorities  or while in prison. When the causes are studied, they are usually from natural causes  with the heart diseases constituting the majority of cases. We present a case of death in  custody from spontaneous liver rupture, a rare condition with very few cases reported  in literature. We are not aware of any reported case of death in custody secondary  to spontaneous liver rupture. High index of suspicion is required for early diagnosis  of spontaneous liver rupture and should be considered as a possible cause of death  in custody. Adequate medical history of the detainee is important and crucial as  they can detect fatal condition and the prison staff must act promptly to address any  medical concerns of the inmates. 

 

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Published

2025-09-19

How to Cite

Spontaneous Rupture of the Liver Seen at Autopsy: A Case Report of a Rare  Cause of Death in Custody and Literature Review. (2025). Indian Internet Journal of Forensic Medicine and Toxicology, 23(2), 15-18. https://doi.org/10.48165/iijfmt.2025.23.2.3