Patient dies from undiagnosed aneurysm during routine hospital endoscopy

A patient has died during a routine endoscopic procedure at Central District Hospital in the Shal Akyn District of North Kazakhstan. The incident occurred when the individual, who had avoided medical check-ups for years, suffered a sudden collapse while the endoscope was being removed.

The patient had arrived at the hospital's endoscopy department complaining of chest pain that intensified with deep breaths. They had also endured chronic headaches for eight years but had not seen a doctor in five years. Instead, they relied on self-medication with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.

During the procedure, the patient's condition rapidly worsened. They lost consciousness and stopped breathing as doctors began withdrawing the endoscope. Emergency resuscitation efforts lasted for an hour but failed to revive them.

An autopsy later revealed an undiagnosed dissecting aortic aneurysm, which ruptured during the examination. The rupture caused cardiac tamponade—a life-threatening buildup of fluid around the heart. Investigators confirmed that the patient had gone without regular medical supervision for at least three years before the incident.

Authorities from the North Kazakhstan Regional Police Department have since opened a criminal case to examine the circumstances. The physician involved in the procedure remains at work and has not been suspended pending the investigation.

The case highlights the risks of long-term avoidance of medical care. Investigators continue to review the events leading to the patient's death, while the hospital awaits further guidance. The findings will determine whether any changes to protocols or accountability measures are required.