A Retrospective Study of Interstitial Pneumonitis (‘Viral’ Pneumonia) as a Cause of Sudden and Unexpected Natural Death

Abstract

A five year survey established interstitial pneumonitis to be the major cause of sudden and unexpected death under the age of 40. A total of 255 cases was reviewed. There was prevalence in infants under the age of 12 months and in the males of the other age groups. 79.9 per cent of cases died in their sleep and 38.8 per cent had preceding ‘flu’-like symptoms. Chronic heart or lung diseases were present in 7.8 per cent of cases. The influenza group of viruses is suggested to be the aetiological agent and further studies are being planned.