Difference between revisions of "Forensic pathology"

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(split-out asphyxial deaths)
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==Causes of death==
==Causes of death==
==Hanging==
Classic:
*V-shaped furrow on the neck.
*V "open" at the point of suspension.
==Drowning==
Classic:
*Autopsy is often negative, i.e. there is no anatomical cause of death.
Drowning is difficult to prove on autopsy.<ref name=pmid16378701>{{cite journal |author=Piette MH, De Letter EA |title=Drowning: still a difficult autopsy diagnosis |journal=Forensic Sci. Int. |volume=163 |issue=1-2 |pages=1–9 |year=2006 |month=November |pmid=16378701 |doi=10.1016/j.forsciint.2004.10.027 |url=}}</ref>  The diagnosis is often based on circumstance, i.e. the scene.
===Macroscopic===
External:
*Plume of froth at the mouth/nostrils (fresh drowning only).<ref name=pmid16378701/>
Internal:
*Lung emphysema.
*Froth in the trachea.
*Patlauf spots<ref name=pmid12134758>{{cite journal |author=Bohnert M, Ropohl D, Pollak S |title=[Forensic medicine significance of the fluid content of the sphenoid sinuses] |language=German |journal=Arch Kriminol |volume=209 |issue=5-6 |pages=158–64 |year=2002 |pmid=12134758 |doi= |url=}}</ref> -- ???
===Micro/Lab===
There are a few tests of debated value:<ref name=pmid16378701/>
*Diffusion of particulates into the blood (left ventricle) from the water.
**Diatom test.
*Haemodilution.
**Mostly useless - CPR interferes with it, not reliable if there putrefaction or autolysis.
*Transport of aveolar element into blood circulation.
==Carbon monoxide==
Carbon monoxide (CO) is a common way to commit suicide.
Pathophysiology:
*CO binds to haemoglobin -- prevents oxygen from binding there.
Findings:
*Salmon pink skin.
*CO level (blood test) elevated (???).


==Gunshot wounds==
==Gunshot wounds==
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==Asphyxia==
==Asphyxia==
*This is a big topic.
{{main|Asphyxial deaths}}


===Manual strangulation===
*This is a big topic and covered by a separate article.
Features:<ref name=Ref_HoFP>{{Ref HoFP|155}}</ref>
*It includes:  
*Petechiac of sclerae (white part of eye) & conjunctivae (cover sclerae); present ~ 90% of the time.
**''Strangulation'' - where there are signs of neck compression.
*Hyoid bone fracture.
***Includes: ganging, ligature strangulation and manual strangulation.
*Thyroid cartilage fracture.
**''Chemical asphyxia'' - usually no signs of neck compression.
*Haemorrhage in strap muscles of the neck.
***Includes: carbon monoxide poisoning.
**''Suffocation'' - usually no signs of neck compression.
***Includes: Smothering, choking, positional asphyxia, drowning.


==Blunt force trauma==
==Blunt force trauma==
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