Enlarged parietal foramina (EPF) are a quite rare developmental defect of the parietal bone which has to be distinguished from the normal small parietal foramina. We report a forensic case of an individual found in an advanced state of putrefaction in his own house with an undetermined cause of death. No evidence of trauma was observed, and the toxicological exam was negative. The victim was a 40-yearold man with a history of epilepsy. The large biparietal foramina, a rare anatomical variation and unusual autopsy finding, were observed at autopsy. The recognition of anatomical variations is important to avoid false interpretations and conclusions and has a significant potential as an identity factor, thus contributing to positive identification.

Resumo. A determinação da causa mortis e sua etiologia médico legal é fundamental na investigação forense. A autópsia deve esclarecer e elucidar a Justiça no cumprimento de suas decisões. Suicídios podem ser causas de exclusão no pagamento de seguros, e em determinados contratos, o dobro do valor pago em casos de homicídios ou acidentes do que em mortes naturais. O presente artigo mostra um caso de por asfixia resultante de um acidente, onde a vítima embriagada, acabou por sufocar-se ao ingerir um bife inteiro. "Café coronary" foi o termo cunhado por Haugen em 1963 para uma morte e inesperada ocorrida durante uma refeição devido à oclusão das vias aéreas causada por um bife inteiro. Foram afastadas as hipóteses de homicídio e suicídio, que até então existiam. O caso apresenta boa documentação e particular interesse médico legal, corroborando com a importância da autópsia e da abertura de todas as cavidades, incluindo a observação dos órgãos do pescoço. Palavras-chave: Asfixia; Comida; Cafe coronary; Morte súbita. Abstract. Determining the cause of death and its forensic etiology is crucial in forensic investigation. The autopsy should clarify and elucidate the Court in its decisions. Suicide may be ground for exclusion in insurance and in certain contracts doubles the amount paid in cases of homicide or accidents opposing natural death. This paper presents a case of death by asphyxiation as the result of an accident where an altered state of consciousness of a drunken victim made him choke with a whole steak. "Cafe Brazilian Journal of Forensic Sciences, Medical Law and Bioethics 4(3):332-336 (2015) 333 C. H. Durão & D. Capinteiro coronary" was term coined by Haugen in 1963 for sudden and unexpected death occurring during a meal due to accidental occlusion of the airway by food. It were excluded the possibilities of murder and suicide, which hitherto existed. The case provides good documentation and particular medical legal interest, confirming the importance of the autopsy and the opening of all wells, including observation of the neck organs.