What is the Mechanism of Death?

Mechanism of Death
Mechanism of Death. Congenital heart disease patient (ASD) with out-of-hospital sudden cardiac death. (A) ECG showing severe RVH. (B) Severe RV hypertrophy and dilatation. (C, D) Ostium secundum atrial septal defect. The WHO classification of pulmonary hypertension: A case-based imaging compendium. Ryan JJ, Thenappan T, Luo N, Ha T, Patel AR, Rich S, Archer SL - Pulmonary circulation (2012 Jan-Mar). Not Altered. CC.

The mechanism of death is the specific physiological derangement that actually led to the cessation of life.

There are five categories for the mechanism of death which include: 

  • Accidental
  • Homicidal
  • Natural
  • Suicidal
  • Undetermined
MECHANISM OF DEATHDEFINITION
AccidentalA death caused by an accident like a traffic collision, fall, and slip, or anything else without malicious intent.
HomicidalA volitional act to kill another that might result from negligent, reckless, or accidental activities.
NaturalThe end result of a disease or an internal malfunction due to old age.
SuicidalThe act of causing one’s own death on intention.
UndeterminedUnnatural death when a clear preponderance of evidence supporting a specific manner isn’t available.
Mechanisms of death.