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. 2025 Sep;21(3):1222-1229.
doi: 10.1007/s12024-025-01028-1. Epub 2025 Jun 2.

Post-cardiopulmonary resuscitation trauma: retrospective analysis of skeletal and visceral injuries in autopsy findings

Cemyigit Deveci  1 , Batuhan Turgut  2 , Mehmet Atilgan  2
Affiliations

Post-cardiopulmonary resuscitation trauma: retrospective analysis of skeletal and visceral injuries in autopsy findings

Cemyigit Deveci et al. Forensic Sci Med Pathol. 2025 Sep.

Abstract

This study evaluates skeletal and visceral injuries associated with CPR, providing insights for clinicians and forensic experts. A retrospective analysis of 520 autopsy cases, selected from 2,508 conducted between 2021 and 2022 in Türkiye, was performed. Inclusion criteria focused on cases receiving CPR post-cardiac arrest, excluding pre-existing thoracic or abdominal trauma. Data were analyzed for demographic variables, injury types, and correlations with age, gender, and body mass index (BMI). Rib fractures were identified in 56.7% of cases, with a median of 9 fractures. Sternum fractures occurred in 42.9%, more frequently in females (55.4% vs. 38.7%; OR = 2.36, 95% CI = 1.50-3.74) and older individuals. Rib fractures were associated with age and BMI, whereas sternum fractures correlated with age and female gender. Lung (13.5%) and cardiac (5.4%) contusions were the most common. Younger individuals (0-17 years) showed fewer skeletal injuries but higher rates of isolated visceral trauma. Skeletal injuries were prevalent in individuals > 50 years, whereas visceral injuries were more common in younger cases. CPR-related injuries exhibit significant variation across demographics. Awareness of these patterns is vital for improving resuscitation protocols and post-CPR evaluations, potentially minimizing trauma.

Keywords: Autopsy; Cardiopulmonary resuscitation; Chest compression; Forensic medicine; Post-CPR injuries.

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Conflict of interest statement

Declarations. Conflict of interest: The authors declare that there are no conflicts of interest. The study was conducted per the Declaration of Helsinki. The datasets generated during and analyzed during the current study are available from the corresponding author upon reasonable request.

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