Year: 2025
Type: article
Study design: Case Report
Abstract: Background: Heat stroke is a life-threatening condition resulting from prolonged exposure to high temperatures,often exacerbated by physical exertion and inadequate hydration. Despite being preventable, it can lead tofatal outcomes if not promptly identified and treated. This case study highlights a fatal instance of heat stroke toemphasize its clinical manifestations, risk factors, and forensic importance.Case Presentation: A 65-year-old male was found unresponsive after prolonged outdoor activity in extremeheat. Initial assessment revealed hyperthermia, altered mental status, and multi-organ dysfunction. Despite aggressivecooling measures and critical care interventions, the patient succumbed to complications arising fromheatstroke, including rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney injury. The autopsy confirmed findings consistent withsevere hyperthermia-induced organ damage.Discussion: This case underscores the importance of early recognition and immediate management of heatstroke. Key contributing factors, such as environmental conditions, individual susceptibility, and delayed medicalattention, are explored. The study also highlights the need for public awareness, preventive strategies, timelyinterventions to reduce the incidence of heat-related fatalities and diagnostic aspects in forensic.Conclusion: Heat stroke remains a silent yet significant public health concern, particularly in regions experiencingrising temperatures. This case serves as a critical reminder of the deadly consequences of heat exposure andthe urgent need for preventive action and how to diagnose such a case.
Source: Medico-Legal Update
DOI: 10.37506/jjj3yy17
Authors: Arjun Rajeev, Sujith Sreenivas C
Institution: Government Medical College
Language: English
Subfield: Physiology
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: hybrid
OpenAlex ID: W4409566272