Publication

Abstract :

Background: Troponin T, a myofibrillary protein, is a constituent of the contractile apparatus of skeletal and cardiac muscle. Cardiac Troponin T (cTnT) concentration is raised in cases of myocardial injury. Rapid cTnT is routinely used in clinical settings to assess myocardial injury. Limited available literature on postmortem assessment of cTnT in pericardial fluid and blood suggest that its levels are raised in cases of sudden cardiac deaths (SCD) and electrocution. Keeping in view of the above a validation case control study was designed and executed with primary objective to ascertain cases of myocardial injury (SCD and electrocution [Test group]by a rapid cTnT in pericardial fluid on medico-legal postmortem examination and compare them with other non-cardiac causes of death [Control group].

Result: Rapid cTnT test from pericardial fluid was found positive in 35 (87.5%) cases in Test group and 32 (91.4%) cases in Control group. On comparison of the two groups by Chi-Square test it was found insignificant (P value=0.716).

Conclusion: The study suggests that Rapid Cardio Troponin test from pericardial fluid is of statistically insignificant value to differentiate between death due to myocardial injury (sudden cardiac damage & electrocution) and other causes of death (i.e. asphyxia, poisoning and Road traffic accident).