A 20 Year Retrospective Analysis of Medicolegal Deaths in a Tertiary Hospital Setting in Nigeria

Objective: To determine and classify the various types of medicolegal deaths as seen at University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH); Benin City; Nigeria.Materials and Methods: This is a retrospective study of all the medicolegal deaths seen in the Department of Histopathology; (UBTH; Benin City over a 20 year period (January 1990-December 2009) as recorded in the autopsy registers of the department.Result: A total of 5035 autopsies were done during the period; 89 of which were coroner cases. Four thousand; four hundred and eighty-one coroner cases representing 12.5 of all bodies received by the mortuary during the period were studied. The male to female ratio was 1.9:1; with an overall mean age of 38.3 years. The ages ranged from 1 day to 101 years with a peak incidence in the 25-44 years age group. A total of 553 children and 3928 adults were involved. The commonest indication for coroner's autopsy was sudden unexpected natural deaths (SUNDs) which accounted for 65.5 of the cases. Other causes of death were accidents; homicide; suicide; and undetermined causes representing 28.6; 5.0; 0.5; and 0.4; respectively. Commonest cause of SUND was cardiovascular diseases with complications of hypertension being the most common CVS disease (26.9). Road traffic accident was the commonest form of accident causing death (88.7). Public enlightenment and health education about routine medical screening will help to reduce causes of natural deaths.Conclusion: This study shows the pattern of medicolegal autopsies in UBTH and this preliminary data will provide a baseline for future research and help in formulating policies to help in reduction of preventable causes of death

Breast tumours of adolescents in an African population

Background: Tumours of the breast are uncommon in childhood and adolescence. Patients in this age group often require a different approach to diagnosis and treatment. The purpose of this study is to highlight the clinicopathologic features of breast tumours in adolescents in a Nigerian city. Materials and Methods: Eighty-four breast tumour materials from patients aged 10-19 years were analyzed over a 10-year period at the Department of Pathology; University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH); Benin City; Edo State; Benin City; Nigeria. Results: A majority of the breast tumours were benign. Fibroadenoma was the most common tumour with 46 cases (54.8); followed by fibrocystic changes with 15 cases (17). Malignancy was extremely rare in this group; with only one case (1.2) of an invasive ductal carcinoma. Histologically; most tumours were indistinguishable from the adult types. Conclusion: Fibroadenoma is the most common breast tumour in adolescents in Benin City; Nigeria. Breast cancer and male breast tumours are rare in this age group. Routine complete physical examination of children and adolescents should include breast examination

Presentation of Colorectal Cancers in Benin-City; Nigeria

Background: Colorectal cancer is a major cause of cancer death worldwide; and the prevalence in Nigeria appears to be increasing due to a shift to western diets. We undertook a retrospective analysis of colorectal cancers seen at the University of Benin Teaching Hospital; Benin City from January 1983 to December 2002. Methods: One hundred and two cases involving the large bowel were encountered. These were analysed for age; sex; site; histological type and clinical features. Results: The mean age was 44.5 +/-4.5 years. Males accounted for 56 (54.9) cases; while 46(45.1) were females. Seventy two (70.2) of the tumours were located in the rectum. Adenocarcinoma was the predominant histological type; with 89 (87.2) cases. Fifty two (51) cases presented with intestinal obstruction. Conclusions: Conclusion; colorectal cancers are not rare in our environment as previously believed; though; the frequency in Benin City is relatively low

Primary Childhood Head and Neck Neoplasms: an 8-Year Histopathological Review in a Teaching Hospital

Background: Although infectious diseases remain the leading cause of death among children in our environment; neoplastic diseases have emerged as important cause of childhood morbidity and mortality. Method: A retrospective review of neoplastic lesions of the head and neck region histologically diagnosed at University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH) in children aged 0-14years between 2002 and 2009 was carried out with the aim of determining their incidence and histological patterns. Results: A total of 266 neoplasms were diagnosed in this age group during the period out of hich123(46.2) were located in the head and neck region. Seventy two cases (58.5) were malignant while 51 (41.5) were benign. Lymphoma was the commonest histological type of malignant tumour (51) with Burkitt's lymphoma being the predominant subtype. The commonest benign tumours were haemangioma and neurofibroma each of which accounted for 8 cases (15.7). The commonest sites for these lesions were jaw; eye and adnexa; soft tissues; peripheral nerves; and lymph nodes. Conclusion: It is concluded that Burkitt's lymphoma remains the commonest childhood head and neck malignancy in the study population. The oral sites constituted about 40of the tumours studied

Patterns of Morbidity and Mortality amongst Motorcycle Riders and their Passengers in Benin-City Nigeria: One-year Review

Objective: To evaluate patterns of morbidity and mortality among bike riders and pillion seat passengers involved in road traffic accidents in Benin-City Nigeria between August 2003-July 2004. Methods: A total of Fifty-one bike riders and pillion seat passengers; who participated in this study were part of a larger study; involved in a road traffic accident and were brought to the accident and emergency unit of either the University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH) or the State Specialist Hospital between August 2002-July2003.The injured ones were examined and dead patients had an autopsy done on them. Results: A total of 51 cases of bikes riders/pillion seat passenger accidents were recorded representing 18of total accidents. 35 motorbike riders/pillion seat passengers were struck down by cars (68.6). Seven bike riders/pillion seat passengers (13.5) were struck by articulated vehicles. 7 bike riders/pillion seat passengers representing 13.5of cases were stuck by buses; 2 (3.9) pillion seat passengers fell of bikes from epilepsies and sustained secondary injuries. Males were more in number with a ratio of 2.5; 1. One hundred percent (100) or all motorcyclist and their passengers did not use helmets. Conclusion: Cars struck down most bike riders and their pillion seat passengers. Males were more than females in number. The commonest autopsy findings as cause of death was intra-cranial hemorrhage preventable by the use of crash helmets

Patterns of Morbidity and Mortality amongst Motorcycle Riders and their Passengers in Benin-City Nigeria: One-year Review

Objective: To evaluate patterns of morbidity and mortality among bike riders and pillion seat passengers involved in road traffic accidents in Benin-City Nigeria between August 2003-July 2004. Methods: A total of Fifty-one bike riders and pillion seat passengers; who participated in this study were part of a larger study; involved in a road traffic accident and were brought to the accident and emergency unit of either the University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH) or the State Specialist Hospital between August 2002- July 2003.The injured ones were examined and dead patients had an autopsy done on them. Results: A total of 51 cases of bikes riders/pillion seat passenger accidents were recorded representing 18of total accidents. 35 motorbike riders/pillion seat passengers were struck down by cars (68.6). Seven bike riders/pillion seat passengers (13.5) were struck by articulated vehicles. 7 bike riders/pillion seat passengers representing 13.5of cases were stuck by buses; 2 (3.9) pillion seat passengers fell of bikes from epilepsies and sustained secondary injuries. Males were more in number with a ratio of 2.5; 1. One hundred percent (100) or all motorcyclist and their passengers did not use helmets. Conclusion: Cars struck down most bike riders and their pillion seat passengers. Males were more than females in number. The commonest autopsy findings as cause of death was intra-cranial hemorrhage preventable by the use of crash helmets

Morbidity and Mortality among Road Users in Benin-City; Nigeria

Background/objective: Murray and Krug had reported that road traffic injuries are a major cause of death globally; with disproportionate number occurring in developing counties. Seventy out of 308 deaths that occurred in Benin City from August 2002-July 2003; representing 22.7of all deaths was due to road traffic injuries. Despite this observation; there is a paucity of data on road traffic morbidity and mortality. The aim of this study was to evaluate patterns of morbidity and mortality among drivers and passengers of cars involved in road traffic accidents in Benin-City Nigeria from August 2002-July 2003 as a base line data. Methods: Eighty-seven car drivers and passengers who were studied were part of a larger study; involved in a road traffic accident and brought to the accident and emergency units of either the University of Benin Teaching Hospital or the State Specialist Hospital between August 2002- July 2003.The injured ones were examined and dead patients had autopsy done on them. Results: Over all; out of 283 total accidents cases reviewed in the period of study 87 were car occupants representing 30.7of all accident cases; and 67 patients (23.7) sustained varying injuries; while 20 patients (7.1) died. Commercial cars were involved in majority of cases 85. Males were also more in number. Intracranial hemorrhage was the predominant cause of death. Conclusion: Occupants of cars accounted for the singular most common category of morbidity and mortality among all road users. The male to female ratio was 2.1:1. Windscreen injuries most commonly associated with facial and head injuries represented the commonest cause of morbidity and mortality. The commonest autopsy finding as cause of death was intra-cranial hemorrhage

Morbidity and Mortality among Road Users in Benin-City; Nigeria

Background/objective: Murray and Krug had reported that road traffic injuries are a major cause of death globally; with disproportionate number occurring in developing counties. Seventy out of 308 deaths that occurred in Benin City from August 2002-July 2003; representing 22.7of all deaths was due to road traffic injuries. Despite this observation; there is a paucity of data on road traffic morbidity and mortality. The aim of this study was to evaluate patterns of morbidity and mortality among drivers and passengers of cars involved in road traffic accidents in Benin-City Nigeria from August 2002-July 2003 as a base line data. Methods: Eighty-seven car drivers and passengers who were studied were part of a larger study; involved in a road traffic accident and brought to the accident and emergency units of either the University of Benin Teaching Hospital or the State Specialist Hospital between August 2002-July2003.The injured ones were examined and dead patients had autopsy done on them. Results: Over all; out of 283 total accidents cases reviewed in the period of study 87 were car occupants representing 30.7of all accident cases; and 67 patients (23.7) sustained varying injuries; while 20 patients (7.1) died. Commercial cars were involved in majority of cases 85. Males were also more in number. Intracranial hemorrhage was the predominant cause of death. Conclusion: Occupants of cars accounted for the singular most common category of morbidity and mortality among all road users. The male to female ratio was 2.1:1. Windscreen injuries most commonly associated with facial and head injuries represented the commonest cause of morbidity and mortality. The commonest autopsy finding as cause of death was intra-cranial hemorrhage

Blader tumors in Benin city : a 15 year histopathological study

A 15 year (1988 - 2002) retrospective study was undertaken to determine the frequency and histological pattern of bladder neoplasms seen in the University of Benin Teaching Hospital; Benin City; Nigeria. Forty-five cases were diagnosed. Males predominated constituting 35 (77.8) cases; giving a M:F ratio of 3.5:1 with ages ranging from 1.5 - 75 years. Malignant neoplasms (40 cases) accounted for 88.9of the bladder tumours and 1.85of all malignant neoplasms seen during the study period. Contrary to most reports; the malignant neoplasms were predominantly transitional cell carcinoma constituting 27(67.2) cases; with peak in the 7th and 8th decades; mean age of 61 years (SD + 13.3) and an age range of 33 - 75 years. Squamous cell carcinoma (SqCC) was relatively rare accounting for 15malignant tumours. SqCC patients had a lower mean age 42 years (SD + 27.5) with ages ranging from 11 - 64 years. None of the SqCC cases showed evidence of schistosoma ova. Rhabdomyosarcoma; fibrosarcoma; non Hodgkin's lymphoma and metastatic tumours constituted 7.5; 2.5; 2.5and 5of the malignant tumours respectively. The benign tumours were all squamous papillomas comprising 5(11.1) cases. Haematuria screening for individuals in high risk occupation; and provision of pipe borne water were recommended

Bladder Tumors in Benin City : a 15 Year Histopathological Study

A 15 year (1988 - 2002) retrospective study was undertaken to determine the frequency and histological pattern of bladder neoplasms seen in the University of Benin Teaching Hospital; Benin City; Nigeria. Forty-five cases were diagnosed. Males predominated constituting 35 (77.8) cases; giving a M:F ratio of 3.5:1 with ages ranging from 1.5 - 75 years. Malignant neoplasms (40 cases) accounted for 88.9 of the bladder tumours and 1.85 of all malignant neoplasms seen during the study period. Contrary to most reports; the malignant neoplasms were predominantly transitional cell carcinoma constituting 27(67.2) cases; with peak in the 7th and 8th decades; mean age of 61 years (SD + 13.3) and an age range of 33 - 75 years. Squamous cell carcinoma (SqCC) was relatively rare accounting for 15 malignant tumours. SqCC patients had a lower mean age 42 years (SD + 27.5) with ages ranging from 11 - 64 years. None of the SqCC cases showed evidence of schistosoma ova. Rhabdomyosarcoma; fibrosarcoma; non Hodgkin's lymphoma and metastatic tumours constituted 7.5; 2.5; 2.5 and 5 of the malignant tumours respectively. The benign tumours were all squamous papillomas comprising 5(11.1) cases. Haematuria screening for individuals in high risk occupation; and provision of pipe borne water were recommended