Question
| A. |
Choking |
| B. |
Laryngeal edema |
| C. |
Cardiac arrest |
| D. |
Pulmonary edema |
|
Correct Answer » A Explanation |
 |
The term café coronary was coined because the event may mimic a sudden myocardial infarction occurring in a restaurant (“café”). In reality, the person dies from acute airway obstruction by a food bolus, most commonly a piece of meat.
Mechanism of Death
- Food becomes lodged in the:
- Larynx, or
- Upper trachea
- This causes:
- Complete airway obstruction
- Acute hypoxia
- Asphyxia
Thus, the immediate cause of death is choking (mechanical asphyxia).
Choking due to obstruction of the airway by food is the defining feature of café coronary syndrome.
Common risk factors:
- Elderly individuals
- Alcohol intoxication
- Poor dentition
- Neurological disorders
- Sedative use
Why the Other Options Are Incorrect
B. Laryngeal edema
May cause airway obstruction in anaphylaxis, burns, infections, etc., but is not the mechanism in café coronary.
C. Cardiac arrest
Cardiac arrest is the terminal event in many deaths, but the primary cause here is asphyxia from choking.
D. Pulmonary edema
Not involved in the pathogenesis of café coronary syndrome.
