Autopsy investigation and Bayesian approach to coronary artery disease in victims of motor-vehicle accidents

BACKGROUND: Each year, 1.2 million people die worldwide as a result of motor-vehicle accidents (MVA), representing a tremendous burden to healthcare. The aim of this study was to define the prevalence of coronary disease and its possible role in motor-vehicle accidents. METHODS AND RESULTS: We examined consecutive cases of non-hospital sudden death autopsies in the area of West Quebec during the period of 2002-2006, and we focused on those victims of MVA. Severe coronary artery disease (CAD) was defined as a narrowing of ≥ 75% of a cross-sectional area or the presence of acute plaque events in major epicardial coronary arteries. From a total cohort of 1260 autopsies, MVA were responsible for 123 deaths, 100 of whom were men and 23 were women. Significant CAD was documented in approximately 37% of these cases. In individuals older than 60 years, the prevalence of significant CAD and ischemia were 86.2% and 19.8%, respectively. A percentage of 40% of the coronary patients showed erratic driving before the accident, as observed by witnesses. Statistical analysis showed that an individual affected by CAD has 9% probability of suffering a motor-vehicle accident. CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of severe CAD and acute myocardial ischemia is very high among individuals who have suffered a MVA. Our data suggest the hypothesis that acute CAD could be the cause of accidents in a large group of the drivers affected by coronary disease. For these reasons CAD could be investigated in drivers above 50 years old, as a possible preventive measure and determinant of individual risk stratification