Finding into death of Angela Murray
Deceased
ANGELA FAY MURRAY
Demographics
52y, female
Date of death
2008-09-23
Finding date
2012-06-25
Cause of death
Aspiration pneumonia in a female who had undergone a laparoscopic cholecystectomy for cholangitis and cholelithiasis who also suffered from pancreatitis and recent haematemesis
AI-generated summary
Angela Murray was a 52-year-old woman with intellectual disability, cerebral palsy, and epilepsy living in a group home under disability services. In September 2008, she developed vomiting at home and was transported to hospital with suspected aspiration. Hospital investigations revealed acute cholecystitis, cholangitis, and acute pancreatitis requiring surgical intervention. She underwent laparoscopic cholecystectomy with intraoperative cholangiogram. Post-operatively, she developed seizures and decreased oxygen saturation levels, requiring critical care team activation on two occasions. Despite intensive management, she developed significant respiratory distress. By 23 September 2008, in consultation with family, it was decided that no further escalation of treatment would be pursued. She died from aspiration pneumonia. The coroner found no issues with the care provided at the group home or hospital, indicating the management had been appropriate. This case illustrates the increased aspiration risk in patients with cerebral palsy and other neurological conditions that compromise airway reflexes, particularly post-operatively.
AI-generated summary and tagging — may contain inaccuracies; refer to original finding for legal purposes.
Clinical conditions
Contributing factors
- Aspiration from vomiting and haematemesis
- Acute cholecystitis
- Cholangitis
- Cholelithiasis
- Acute pancreatitis
- Cerebral palsy
- Epilepsy
- Post-operative complications
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