Unexpected custodial death due to acute epiglottitis

RATIONALE Acute epiglottitis is a potentially life-threaten disease, which makes it more challenging to save the life for doctors. Unexpected deaths in custody are a primary cause of concern for the forensic community and doctor worldwide. PATIENT CONCERNS We present a case of a 44-year-old male detainee who was clinically suspected of dying of acute epiglottitis. The man experienced failure of resuscitation and died after admitted to a hospital. DIAGNOSES The autopsy, toxicological testing, the test of immunoglobulin E and bacterial culture suggested the patient died of acute epiglottitis. INTERVENTIONS The bacterial culture was performed to imprecisely identify the cause of death. OUTCOMES The bacterial culture of the patient's heart blood and nasal and throat swabs showed the presence of the pathogenic microorganism Haemophilus influenza type B. LESSONS We aim to provide a reference to the medical and forensic community and remind the local law enforcement agencies on the problems present within the correctional healthcare system through this case report. Additionally, we also aim to increase the current knowledge and understanding on custodial deaths caused by natural diseases.