Sign-in to Ask A Doctor - 24x7
OR
Sign in with GoogleGet your health question answered instantly from our pool of 18000+ doctors from over 80 specialties
What Is The Reason For Sudden Death After Flu Symptoms And Black Back And Neck?
My cousin passed away suddenly last week (38 years old). He had flu like symptoms prior. The autopsy was inconclusive but showed signs of heart damage. When my uncle found him on the floor (hours later) his back and neck were black. We are thinking either heart attack or possibly a burst ulcer. Any thoughts would be helpful. The toxicity report won't come back for 10 weeks.
Sat, 21 Dec 2013
Dear sir
It appears that yo6r cousin might have suffered from low platelet counts as a result of flu. Some times viral flus will cause decreased platelet count as a result which will cause extensive bleeding.
These chain of scenarios will cause low tissue perfusion and eventually death.
The red or pinkish deposits that is noted in neck and back is due to extensive bleeding. Usually these blood will collect in the weight bearing parts like back and neck on lying posture.
Hope you understood
Thanks
It appears that yo6r cousin might have suffered from low platelet counts as a result of flu. Some times viral flus will cause decreased platelet count as a result which will cause extensive bleeding.
These chain of scenarios will cause low tissue perfusion and eventually death.
The red or pinkish deposits that is noted in neck and back is due to extensive bleeding. Usually these blood will collect in the weight bearing parts like back and neck on lying posture.
Hope you understood
Thanks
I find this answer helpful
Hello there!
As flu symptoms present with thousand of etiologies i am sorry it would be impossible to draw the conclusion with just the color change at the back and neck. Tox reports need to be waited for. the back color change might be the pancreatitis haemorrhagic one leading to shock but then just flu symptoms defy that cause that thing present as some serious presentation clearly not that. It can be due to post martal Blacening due to the changes in the blood which pools in thse two places as your uncle was on the floor laid down so most probable explaination is blood changing color. wont help with the diagnosis,
why dont you consult the forensic analyst or toxicologist for further details,
S Khan
As flu symptoms present with thousand of etiologies i am sorry it would be impossible to draw the conclusion with just the color change at the back and neck. Tox reports need to be waited for. the back color change might be the pancreatitis haemorrhagic one leading to shock but then just flu symptoms defy that cause that thing present as some serious presentation clearly not that. It can be due to post martal Blacening due to the changes in the blood which pools in thse two places as your uncle was on the floor laid down so most probable explaination is blood changing color. wont help with the diagnosis,
why dont you consult the forensic analyst or toxicologist for further details,
S Khan
I find this answer helpful
2 Doctors agree with this answer
Disclaimer: These answers are for your information only and not intended to replace your relationship with your treating physician.
This is a short, free answer.
For a more detailed, immediate answer, try our premium service
[Sample answer]
Related questions you may be interested in
Recent questions on Influenza
Loading Online Doctors....