The Tragic Consequence of Adult Hirschsprung Disease: A Forensic Case Report

Abstract

A 31-year-old man died unexpectedly at home. He had a history of chronic constipation and abdominal swelling for a year, with a childhood diagnosis of Hirschsprung Disease (HD), which was untreated and he refused surgery. Postmortem examination showed a distended abdomen and dilated colon, with histopathology confirming HD. The cause of death was sepsis from Clostridium spp. secondary to intestinal obstruction due to HD. Early diagnosis and surgery in infancy could have prevented severe symptoms and life-threatening complications. The postmortem examination confirms natural death; documenting the patient's refusal of surgery explains chronic pathology and rules out malpractice or foul play.