Deceased
Doris Merle Langhans
Demographics
89y, female
Date of death
2008-10-26
Finding date
2011-12-07
Cause of death
acute renal failure with severe electrolyte disturbance due to sigmoid volvulus on a background of vascular dementia
AI-generated summary
An 89-year-old woman with severe vascular dementia died from acute renal failure due to sigmoid volvulus while detained under the Mental Health Act. She was admitted to hospital for management of aggressive behaviour secondary to dementia. On 26 October 2008, an intern identified a probable sigmoid volvulus on imaging and arranged surgical review. The patient deteriorated rapidly, became unresponsive, and died during resuscitation attempts. The coroner found detention was lawful and appropriate, with adequate care provided. The death resulted from a surgical emergency (bowel obstruction) in an elderly patient with advanced dementia, underlying vascular disease, and electrolyte disturbance. Early recognition of the volvulus occurred but rapid decompensation prevented intervention.
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Specialties
Clinical conditions
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