Deceased
Greg Norman Mackrell
Demographics
47y, male
Coroner
Coroner Stella Stuthridge
Date of death
2010-02-17
Finding date
2011-01-07
Cause of death
cardiomyopathy in a 47 year old man with Down syndrome
AI-generated summary
Greg Norman Mackrell, a 47-year-old man with Down syndrome and known cardiomyopathy with pacemaker, was admitted for elective colonoscopy. The anaesthetist reviewed him preoperatively and the procedure was completed quickly without apparent complications. He suffered cardiac arrest shortly after the procedure and could not be resuscitated. Autopsy confirmed death from cardiomyopathy with no colonoscopy-related complications. The coroner found his medical management was appropriate and that sudden cardiac death is not unexpected in cardiomyopathy. This case highlights the importance of careful preoperative assessment in patients with significant cardiac disease, though in this instance, appropriate care was delivered and the death was from natural causes.
AI-generated summary — refer to original finding for legal purposes. Report an inaccuracy.
Specialties
FORM 37 Rule 60(1)
FINDING INTO DEATH WITH INQUEST Section 67 of the Coroners Act 2008
Court Reference: 652/2010
Inquest into the Death of Greg Norman MACKRELL
Hearing Dates: ; 01/02/2011 Findings of: Stella Stuthridge Place of death: Goulburn Valley Health
Hospital, Shepparton
FORM 37 Rule 60(1)
Section 67 of the Coroners Act 2008 Court Reference: 652/2010 Tn the Coroners Court of Victoria at Shepparton
I Stella Stuthridge, Coroner having investigated the death of:
Details of deceased:
Surname: MACKRELL First name: Greg Norman Address: 4 Homewood Drive Mooroopna Vic 3629
AND having held an inquest in relation to this death on 01/02/2011 at Shepparton Coroner’s Court find that the identity of the deceased was Greg Norman MACKRELL and death occurred on or about 17/02/2010.
at Shepparton from
la CARDIOMYOPATHY IN A 47 YEAR OLD MAN WITH DOWN
in the following circumstances:
1, Having heard from the Informant Constable Glenn R Fitzgerald and having read the brief of evidence in this matter I make the following
findings.
Mr Greg Norman Mackrell was born on the 28" January 1963, with Down syndrome. He resided at a residential care facility in Mooroopna. He had a complicated medical history. Mr Mackrell had difficulties with his heart and had a pace maker fitted. He experienced repeated urinary tract infections that required hospital admissions. On
the 17" February 2010, Mr Mackrell was admitted
to Goulbum Valley Health for an clective colonoscopy.. The medical team were aware Mr
Mackrell had cardiac disease and an irregular
heart beat with a pacemaker in place. The —_
anaesthetist reviewed him, on the day. The colonoscopy was completed quickly with no apparent complications. Shortly after surgery, Mr Mackrell went into cardiac arrest. Cardiac resuscitation was attempted but Mr Mackrell failed to recover. Mr Mackrell passed away at 9,58am on the 17 February 2010.
The pathologist who performed the autopsy teviewed the medical records. The autopsy found Mr Mackrell died as a result cardiomyopathy [heart disease]. The autopsy found no
complications arising from the colonoscopy. This
_ was in keeping with his clinical diagnosis. Sudden
cardiac death is not unexpected in people suffering from cardiomyopathy. I am satisfied Mr Mackrell’s medical management was appropriate.
In all the circumstance I am satisfied Mr Mackrell died because of the natural consequences of
cardiomyopathy.
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