Neck injury and conjunctival petechiae in a woman who underwent cardiopulmonary resuscitation and subsequently died from meningococcal sepsis

Abstract

Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) can create a range of unusual lesions and injuries, which may complicate forensic evaluation. Although potentially sinister findings, neck injury and conjunctival petechiae may also be seen in patients who have undergone CPR. We report a case of an individual with subcutaneous bruising and hemorrhage in the deep structures of the neck and florid conjunctival petechiae at autopsy that can be explained by cardiopulmonary resuscitation and meningococcal sepsis.