Abstract:  Objective To investigate the pathological features and significance of myocardial contraction band necrosis in sudden cardiac death. Methods Using HE and PTAH staining, the distribution sites and pathological features of myocardial contraction band necrosis were observed. The data were analyzed according to the extent of necrosis. Results The locations, pathological features and the extent of necrosis were similar in different sudden death cases. The locations were related with sites of myocardial damage. The papillary muscles of left ventricular were most occurred, followed by the anterior wall of left ventricular. In the sudden death cases caused by stress cardiomyopathy, the extent of myocardial contraction band necrosis was lighter than the others. Most cases were predominantly level 1, the others were level 2. Conclusion Used as the diagnosis basis of acute myocardial ischemia, the myocardial contraction band necrosis has important significance to determination of death.

Key words: forensic pathology, death, sudden, cardiac, myocardium, contraction band