Description
This shows the cerebellar hemispheres and the brain stem showing extensive subarachnoid
haemorrhage. The cut surface of the upper part of the spinal cord shows an area of haemorrhagic
softening on the right hand side.
History
This child, at the age of 4, was apparently hit by a car and died shortly after admission to
hospital. Examination showed extensive abrasions and bruises of the upper part of the body, and a
fracture/dislocation of the 1/2 second cervical spine. At autopsy, there was extensive bruising in
the retropharyngeal area, a linear fracture of the left supraorbital plane, and a complete transection
of the cervical cord just as it emerged from the foramen magnum.