Death Due to Low Voltage Electric Shock Induced Myocarditis

Low voltage electric shock resulting in myocarditis induced delayed death is a rarity and has not been reported so far, to the best of our knowledge. The definitive diagnosis is autopsy based as it has variable clinical presentations. We report such a case where in the histopathologic findings of myocarditis came as a surprise during microscopic evaluation of the autopsy sections in a case with an apparently normal heart on gross examination. The present case mandates a careful microscopic examination of autopsy sections in cases of electrocution.

Patterns of cause of death in unknown dead bodies a three year study in a tertiary care hospital.

Opinion about the cause of death in unknown dead bodies is a test of ability of the Forensic expert and on many occasions yields little or no results. The reasons may be inadequate/no history, disinterested Investigating officers unwilling to properly work out the case, partial/complete decomposition/destruction/mutilation of the body, etc. In such cases, identification of the body as such poses problems; rest aside the opinion regarding the cause/manner of death. The present 3 year study was undertaken to find the cause of death and the pattern of causes of death in unknown dead bodies, as well as the efforts made to establish the identity in these cases. Unidentified bodies comprised 4% of the total 1577 cases brought for postmortem examination to the department. Maximum number of cases belonged to the age group 41 -50 years, 35%. Majority of the opinions regarding the cause of death were given as cranio-cerebral damage, 30%, followed by “no definite opinion”, 28%. Viscera for chemical analysis were sent in 24%, histopathology in 8% and for both chemical analysis and histopathology, in 27% cases.

Incidence of post burn septicemia at a Tertiary Care Hospital.

A severe burn injury is a life threatening incident to the patients in many ways and infection is one of the most common complications of burns. This prospective study was conducted to assess the incidence, magnitude and profile of post burn septicemia in burn cases coming to Government Medical College Hospital, Chandigarh. During the one year study period, a total of 89 cases of burns were admitted, with an overall male to female ratio of 1: 1.14. Septicemia was seen in 60% cases of which 28% were males and 72% were females; incidence of septicemia was 40% in males and 73% in females, respectively. Fifty-two percent of the septicemic patients were from rural areas, with 71% incidence of septicemia. Flame burns were seen in 96% cases studied, of which 66% suffered septicemia. Eighty-eight percent had suffered accidental burns and they had 58% incidence of septicemia. The mean age of the septicemic patients who survived was 26.8 years and it was 30.2 years in the fatal cases. Mean TBSA was 37% in the septicemic patients who survived and it was 68% in the fatal cases.

Torture and the law: An indian perspective.

Torture of a fellow human being by another human being is essentially an instrument to impose the will of the ‘strong’ over the ‘weak’. Over the years, the incidence of torture has only increased, with the methods becoming highly complex, involving psychical and/or physical exhaustion. These include deprivation of sleep, food and drink; sometimes combined with forced physical activities or forced standing for hours or even days. Freedom of movement and perception is restricted by confining the person to a very small dark room and his self-esteem is eroded by deprivation of toilet facilities and clothing or by constant verbal abuse. Inspite of checks posed by various laws including the International Humanitarian Law, such inhuman practices continue unabated. This article describes the Indian scenario of this world-wide phenomenon, with a view to sensitize the readers about this scourge on the society.