16
edits
Changes
Jump to navigation
Jump to search
Line 17:
Line 17: − + Line 24:
Line 24: + +
Autopsy results and reference
== Autopsy ==
== Autopsy ==
The State and Schiavo's estranged husband refused to allow an independent [[autopsy]], and Schiavo was cremated after her death. The State did perform its own autopsy and reported these results: <ref>http://www.aapsonline.org/nod/newsofday186.htm</ref>
The State and Schiavo's estranged husband refused to allow an independent [[autopsy]], and Schiavo was cremated after her death. The State did perform its own autopsy and reported these results: <ref>http://www.aapsonline.org/nod/newsofday186.htm</ref> <ref>http://fl1.findlaw.com/news.findlaw.com/hdocs/docs/schiavo/61305autopsyrpt.pdf</ref>
# [[“Neuropathologic]] examination alone of the decedent’s brain—or any brain, for that matter—cannot prove or disprove a diagnosis of persistent vegetative state.”
# [[“Neuropathologic]] examination alone of the decedent’s brain—or any brain, for that matter—cannot prove or disprove a diagnosis of persistent vegetative state.”
# The only evidence for an [[eating disorder]] was the initial low serum potassium, which could have resulted from the fluid load and epinephrine administered during her resuscitation.
# The only evidence for an [[eating disorder]] was the initial low serum potassium, which could have resulted from the fluid load and epinephrine administered during her resuscitation.
# The autopsy showed no signs of remote trauma to neck structures, but with 15 years delay, “even bony anomalies would have likely resolved.” External signs of trauma should have been apparent on her hospital admission just after her collapse. “Subtle trauma related to commotio cordis or nontraumatic asphyxia is also possible,” as are “drugs/toxins not typically detected by hospital toxicologic screening.”
# The autopsy showed no signs of remote trauma to neck structures, but with 15 years delay, “even bony anomalies would have likely resolved.” External signs of trauma should have been apparent on her hospital admission just after her collapse. “Subtle trauma related to commotio cordis or nontraumatic asphyxia is also possible,” as are “drugs/toxins not typically detected by hospital toxicologic screening.”
# Severe, irreversible brain damage that left that organ discolored and scarred, shriveled to half its normal size, and damaged in nearly all its regions, including the one responsible for vision.
# Brain damage "was irreversible . . . no amount of treatment or rehabilitation would have reversed" it.
==Similar cases==
==Similar cases==