Abstract
Gastromalacia is a postmortem artifact resulting from autolysis of the gastric walls. Gastromalacia is autolytic rupture of the stomach caused by endogenous enzymes, and it is devoid of any vital reactions. The left leaf of the diaphragm is occasionally perforated by a ragged fenestration, with escape of gastric contents into the pleural cavity. This rupture may lead to pneumoperitoneum or pneumothorax. For diagnostic radiologists, gastromalacia is rarely encountered. Therefore, they should be aware of this entity to avoid misdiagnosis when performing postmortem radiography.
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Acknowledgments
The authors thank Aya Nakajima and Kenta Abiko for their excellent help in data acquisition during the radiological examinations and forensic autopsies.
We have no relevant financial interests or personal affiliations in connection with the content of this manuscript.
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Usui, A., Kawasumi, Y., Hosokai, Y. et al. Postmortem radiography of gastromalacia: case reports. Jpn J Radiol 31, 637–641 (2013). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11604-013-0229-1
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11604-013-0229-1