The primary responsibility of the forensic pathologist is to determine the cause of death. Inclusion of the mechanism of death is not required on death certificates, and therefore, forensic pathologists often (appropriately) do not include mechanisms in cause of death statements. When determining the cause of death; however, it is nonetheless important to consider the responsible physiologic mechanism. If the mechanism of death is not taken into account, an erroneous cause of death may be attributed. This review article will highlight examples of the types of cases in which this may occur.
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