Inquest into the death of James Brown

70y · Male·Hemopericardium due to ruptured aortic dissection contributed to by hypertension

Mr James Brown, a 70-year-old prisoner with a long-standing history of hypertension and atrial fibrillation, died from hemopericardium due to ruptured aortic dissection. He collapsed with chest pain while at work in the correctional facility and was promptly attended to by corrective officers and Justice Health staff. He was transferred to Cessnock District Hospital and then to John Hunter Hospital where Type A aortic dissection was confirmed on CT imaging. He died during transfer to the operating theatre for emergency surgery. The coroner found no clinical management issues, no policy breaches, and no suspicious circumstances. Medical care in custody was adequate and appropriate. No preventable factors were identified in the clinical assessment or emergency response.