Síndrome de niño agredido: reporte de caso / Battered child síndrome: case report

La valoración médico legal en los casos de Síndrome de niño agredido debe ser minuciosa, y abarcar todos los aspectos que indican los artículos y guías nacionales e internacionales, para tener una certeza diagnóstica, debe incluir una historia médico legal completa, examen físico detallado y estudios complementarios, así como diagnóstico diferencial. El presente artículo abarca algunos de los aspectos principales a tomar en cuenta ante la sospecha de abuso infantil, mediante la presentación y abordaje de un caso clínico.

The medical legal assessment in the cases of Attacked Child Syndrome must be thorough and cover all the aspects indicated in the articles and national and international guides, to have a diagnostic certainty, it must include a complete legal medical history, detailed physical examination and complementary studies, as well as differential diagnosis. This article covers some of the main aspects to consider when suspected of child abuse, through the presentation and approach of a clinical case.

A Review on Medico legal and Ethical aspects of Orthopaedic Practice

Medico-legal issues in orthopaedic practice are increasing day by day. With the tremendous metamorphosis in the healthcare sector, incidents of lawsuits against orthopaedic surgeons and hospitals, in the name of medical negligence is on the rise. With every consumer redress forum being more inclined in protecting the consumers, it is imperative for practising Doctors to be more informed on the Medico-legal aspects of their field of practice. Most orthopaedic cases that lead to medico-legal cases result from trauma. Besides, these cases are seen in the Emergency Room, thereby resulting in critical and uncertain decisions. Unlike in other fields where the patient has an existing relationship before any complications occur, rapport-building has to begin much after the treatment has begun. Technological advances in the orthopaedic field, availability of online information on platforms like Google, lack of communication, cutthroat competition among orthopaedic surgeons, awareness about the consumer protection act, mob psychology, interference by anti-social elements and local politicians etc have brought orthopaedic practice at this stage. Following ethical aspects, keeping good repo with patients and society, keeping our documentation perfect and precise, and doing transparent and honest practice can save orthopaedic surgeons in long run. Having empathy towards patients and society, keeping workload in our control, helping each other in crisis, and no medical jousting are also important measures to do safe medical practice in the present era. Keeping in mind the mantra of coming together, working together, and working in harmony is of utmost importance for an orthopaedic practice in recent times.

National Medical Commission Act, 2019 – the need for parity

The National Medical Commission (NMC) has replaced the erstwhile Medical Council of India with the intention of bringing about positive reforms in medical education and enforcing ethical standards in the practice of medicine in India. The NMC Act of 2019, under clauses 3 and 4 of Section 30, details the procedure of grievance redressal. However, these clauses in their current form empower doctors and patients unequally. While the Act empowers an aggrieved medical professional to approach the relevant appellate fora under the NMC, it is silent on a similar opportunity for an aggrieved patient or caregiver to appeal against the decision of a State Medical Council. There is a need to amend these clauses to ensure equitable opportunity for aggrieved patients to appeal against decisions of the State Medical Councils to ensure justice.

Histopathological differentiation of drowning in freshwater and saltwater in rats: forensic point of view / Diferenciación histopatológica de ahogamiento en agua dulce y agua salada en ratas: punto de vista forense

SUMMARY: The postmortem diagnosis of death by drowning is one of the most difficult issues in forensic pathology. We investigated possible evidence differentiating saltwater drowning from freshwater drowning by histopathological changes in brain, heart, lungs, liver, and kidneys tissues. A cross section descriptive study was carried out on eighteen 12-week-old male Wistar rats; they were divided equally into 3 groups. Group 1: control group; Group 2: death by drowning in freshwater; Group 3: death by drowning in saltwater. Immediately after death, all tested organs were removed and fixed for histopathological examination. The brain of freshwater group depicted degenerated neurocytes with dystrophic changes in the form of shrunken cell, pyknotic nuclei and deeply eosinophilic cytoplasm. The heart showed clear evidence of myocyte injuries in saltwater drowning compared to the control and freshwater groups. The kidneys of rats drown in saltwater revealed more glomerular destruction with no differences in tubulo-interstitial changes in comparison with those drown in freshwater. In the lungs, the changes in freshwater were restricted to the alveoli, and the bronchial changes were more distinctive in saltwater. No disturbed liver architecture was seen in both test groups, however hydropic degeneration, congested vessels, and sinusoids were more distinct in saltwater group. In conclusion, diagnostic differentiation between fresh and saltwater drowning was reliable in rats' lungs and heart with minimal differentiation in liver, kidneys, and brain. Further studies of drowning with different staining techniques will help to clarify the potential role of histopathological changes in body organs as indicator of drowning.

RESUMEN: El diagnóstico post mortem de muerte por ahogamiento es uno de los temas más difíciles de la patología forense. Investigamos la posible evidencia que diferencia el ahogamiento en agua salada del ahogamiento en agua dulce por cambios histopatológicos en los tejidos del cerebro, el corazón, los pulmones, el hígado y los riñones. Se realizó un estudio descriptivo de corte transversal en dieciocho ratas Wistar macho de 12 semanas de edad; se dividieron por igual en 3 grupos. Grupo 1: grupo control; Grupo 2: muerte por ahogamiento en agua dulce; Grupo 3: muerte por ahogamiento en agua salada. Inmediatamente después de la muerte, se extirparon todos los órganos analizados y se fijaron para el examen histopatológico. El cerebro del grupo de agua dulce mostró neurocitos degenerados con cambios distróficos en forma de células encogidas, núcleos picnóticos y citoplasma profundamente eosinofílico. El corazón mostró una clara evidencia de lesiones de miocitos en los ahogamientos en agua salada en comparación con los grupos de control y de agua dulce. Los riñones de ratas ahogadas en agua salada revelaron una mayor destrucción glomerular sin diferencias en los cambios túbulo-intersticiales en comparación con las ahogadas en agua dulce. En los pulmones, los cambios en agua dulce se restringieron a los alvéolos y los cambios bronquiales fueron más distintivos en agua salada. No se observó una arquitectura hepática alterada en ambos grupos de prueba, sin embargo, la degeneración hidrópica, los vasos congestionados y los sinusoides fueron más distintos en el grupo de agua salada. En conclusión, la diferenciación diagnóstica entre ahogamiento en agua dulce y salada fue confiable en los pulmones y el corazón de las ratas con una diferenciación mínima en el hígado, los riñones y el cerebro. Estudios adicionales de ahogamiento con diferentes técnicas de tinción ayudarán a aclarar el papel potencial de los cambios histopatológicos en los órganos del cuerpo como indicador de ahogamiento.

Embolismo graso fulminante por lipoinyección glútea. Reporte de un caso con enfoque Médico Legal / Fulminant fat embolism due to gluteal lipoinjection. Report of a case with a Medical Legal approach

Resumen La liposucción es uno de los procedimientos estéticos que se realizan con mayor frecuencia a nivel mundial, con una baja incidencia de complicaciones y una mortalidad de 20 por cada 100 000 procedimientos y cuando se realiza en conjunto con una lipoinyección glútea la principal causa de muerte el embolismo graso. Se presenta el caso de una femenina de 32 años, sin patologías crónicas conocidas, la cual se asistió a un centro médico para que le realizaran una liposucción con lipoinyección glútea y falleció casi al finalizar la cirugía; en la autopsia Médico Legal se observó la presencia de material de aspecto adiposo en el tronco principal de la arteria pulmonar y en sus ramificaciones, en las cuales se obstruía por completo el lumen, mediante un estudio histopatológico se confirmó el diagnostico de embolismo graso, el cual se estableció como causa de muerte. Se realizó una revisión de la literatura sobre embolismo graso asociado a liposucción con lipoinyección glútea.

Abstract Liposuction is one of the most frequently performed cosmetic procedures worldwide, with a low incidence of complications and a mortality of 20 per 100 000 procedures, and when it is performed in conjunction with gluteal lipoinjection, the main cause of death is fat embolism. This article presents a case of a 32-year-old female, with no known chronic pathologies, who was attended at a medical center to undergo liposuction with gluteal lipoinjection and died almost at the end of the surgery; In the Medico-Legal autopsy, the presence of adipose-like material was observed in the main trunk of the pulmonary artery and in its ramifications, in which the lumen was completely obstructed, a histopathological study confirmed the diagnosis of fat embolism, which was established as the cause of death. A review of the literature about fat embolism associated with liposuction with gluteal lipoinjection was made.

Suicidio con cloruro de potasio: Reporte de un caso / Suicide with potassium chloride: Case report

Resumen El suicidio es el uso deliberado de violencia externa con la intención de quitarse la vida, y el uso de medicamentos es una forma en la que esta se puede consumar, el cloruro de potasio es uno de los medicamentos que en concentraciones elevadas tienen efectos letales, por lo que el objetivo de este artículo científico es detallar características farmacológicas del cloruro de potasio, y los elementos a considerar en el estudio postmorten de cadáveres cuando se sospecha de una intoxicación por cloruro de potasio con manera de muerte suicida; con la metodología de estudio de artículos científicos, exposición de un caso clínico y discusión de la importancia del análisis de los elementos aportados y solicitados durante la investigación médico legal, también la especial y delicada importancia de una correcta recolección de muestras biológicas y continentes de medicamentos para el estudio toxicológico y químicoanalítico; de esta manera se concluye que el Cloruro de potasio es un fármaco con efectos colaterales dañinos en la función eléctrica cardiaca, la determinación de la manera de muerte es un trabajo complejo para el médico forense en este tipo de casos, y los resultados de la pericias complementarias a la autopsia tienen mucha importancia para el análisis de este tipo de casos.

Abstract Suicide is the deliberate use of external violence with the intention of taking one's life, and the use of medications is one way in which this can be consumed, potassium chloride is one of the medications that in high concentrations have lethal effects, Therefore, the objective of this scientific article is to detail the pharmacological characteristics of potassium chloride, and the elements to be considered in the postmortem study of corpses when potassium chloride poisoning is suspected as a suicidal death; with the methodology of study of scientific articles, presentation of a clinical case and discussion of the importance of the analysis of the elements provided and requested during the medical-legal research, also the special and delicate importance of a correct collection of biological samples and drug containers for toxicological and chemical analysis; In this way, it is concluded that potassium chloride is a drug with harmful collateral effects on cardiac electrical function, determining the manner of death is a complex job for the forensic doctor in this type of case, and the results of the expertise complementary to the autopsy are very important for the analysis of this type of case.

Muerte súbita por miocarditis aguda asociada al virus influenza tipo B. Reporte de un caso / Sudden death due to acute myocarditis associated with influenza type B virus. Case report

Resumen La miocarditis es una inflamación del miocardio causada principalmente por infecciones virales, dentro de las cuales se encuentra el virus Influenza tipo B. Su presentación clínica varía desde individuos asintomáticos o con síntomas leves e inespecíficos a una miocarditis fulminante e incluso muerte súbita. La principal consecuencia a largo plazo es una miocardiopatía dilatada con insuficiencia cardiaca. Se presenta el caso de una femenina de 17 años, sin patologías crónicas conocidas, la cual presentó un cuadro viral de dos días de evolución y luego falleció de manera súbita; en la autopsia médico legal se documentó mediante estudios histopatológicos una miocarditis linfocítica aguda y por medio de la técnica de reacción en cadena de la polimerasa (PCR) de un frotis traqueal se evidenció la presencia del virus influenza tipo B. Se realizó una revisión de la literatura sobre miocarditis principalmente miocarditis viral causada por el virus Influenza B.

Abstract Myocarditis is an inflammatory disease of the heart muscle. Viral infections are the most frequent cause of myocarditis, incluided Influenza B virus. The clinical presentation of acute miocarditis is highly variable, ranging from subclinical disease to fulminant heart failure and sometimes with sudden death. The major long term consequence is dilated cardiomyopathy with chronic heart failure. We present a case of a 17 years old woman who presented with viral symptoms for two days and then died suddenly; in the medico-legal autopsy, an acute lymphocytic myocarditis was documented through histopathological studies and the presence of influenza type B virus was evidenced by means of the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) technique of a tracheal smear. A review of the literature on myocarditis, mainly viral miocarditis caused by the Influenza B virus, was made.

Métodos para Valoración del Perjuicio Estético Causado Por Cicatrices Faciales

RESUMEN: Dentro del daño estético, las cicatrices son las secuelas más frecuentes. Al momento de su valoración médicolegal, hay que considerar las distintas formas en que se pueden presentar, además de su visibilidad a distancia. El objetivo de esta revisión es conocer los distintos métodos existentes usados para la valoración del perjuicio estético causado por cicatrices faciales. Se realizó una búsqueda bibliográfica en PubMed y Scielo, obteniéndose cuatro artículos atingentes al tema. Llama la atención la escasez de métodos estandarizados para su valoración, advirtiendo, además, que los pocos baremos existentes son para valorar el daño en el ámbito civil o laboral. Para estandarizar los criterios clínicos y medicolega les es recomendable el uso de métodos cuantitativos. Finalmente, al momento de evaluar las secuelas de las lesiones, es importante considerar no sólo el compromiso estético y funcional, sino también las implicancias biopsicosociales en la vida del individuo.

ABSTRACT: In relating to facial aesthetic damage, scars are the most frequently observed. When these scars are assessed for medico-legal purpose, it is necessary to consider the different ways in which they can be presented, and their visibility from distance. This review has as objective to evaluate the different existing methods used for the assessment of cosmetic damage caused by facial scars. The bibliographic search was carried out in PubMed and Scielo, where four articles related to the topic were found. The shortage of standardized methods for their assessment is striking, in addition, draws attention that the few existing scales are used to assess the damage in civil and labour affairs. To standardize clinical and medico-legal criteria, the use of quantitative methods is recommended. Finally, to evaluate the result of the injuries, it is important to consider not only the aesthetic and functional consequences, but also the biopsychosocial implications in the life of an individual.

Intoxicación por cianuro como método suicida: reporte de caso / Cyanide poisoning as a suicide method: case report

Resumen Las intoxicaciones derivan de la presencia en el organismo de un tóxico o veneno, la muerte por intoxicación es una muerte violenta y por tanto requiere de la realización de una autopsia medico legal, la misma puede darse en el contexto de una exposición accidental ya sea en el hogar o laboral o sucitada por un intento de autoeliminación. La intoxicación por cianuro puede ser intencional (suicidio u homicidio) o accidental, los hallazgos en la autopsia medico legal son inespecíficos por lo que son importantes los datos aportados en el informe sobre muerte en investigación, el informe del escenario de muerte en caso de que un médico forense se hiciera presente al mismo y el resultado de los análisis toxicológicos, los cuales actualmente no se realizan en la sección de toxicología del poder judicial. Se realizó una revisión bibliográfica en diferentes bases de datos, de los artículos publicados referentes al tema de los últimos cinco años, con el objetivo de revisar las caracteristicas del químico, el metabolismo y la intoxicación como tal, tanto por sus secuelas como por sus implicaciones letales. Se concluye que para mejorar la pericia médico legal ante casos de intoxicacion por cianuro es fundamental conocer el mecanismo de acción y los posibles hallazgos presentes tanto al examen externo como interno, así como implementar que dicho escrutinio se incluya dentro del listado de sustancias a analizar.

Abstract Poisoning derives from the presence of a toxic substance or poison in the body, death by poisoning is a violent death and requires a legal medical autopsy, it may occur in the context of an accidental exposure at home or work, or caused by an attempt of self-elimination. Cyanide poisoning can be intentional (suicide / homicide) or accidental, the findings in the autopsy are unspecific, so data provided in the report of death in investigation, the report of the death scene (in case a forensic doctor was present) and the result of the toxicological analyzes, which are not currently performed in the toxicology section of the judiciary, are important. A bibliographic review was carried out in different databases of articles published in the last five years on the subject, with the objective of reviewing the chemical characteristics, the metabolism and the intoxication, as well, including their sequels and lethal implications. It is concluded that to improve the medical legal expertise in cases of cyanide poisoning, it is essential to know the mechanism of action and the possible findings in the external and internal examination; and to implement such scrutiny in the list of substances to be analyzed.

Suicidio con propofol: Reporte de un caso / Suicide with propofol: Case report

Resumen El suicidio con medicamentos es un tipo de muerte que se considera violenta desde el punto de vista médico legal por las circunstancias en las que ocurre, el uso del propofoles uno de los medicamentos que se ha documentado en estas formas de muerte, por lo que el objetivo de este artículo científico es detallar características farmacológicas del propofol, y los elementos a considerar durante el estudio postmorten de cadáveres cuando se sospecha de una intoxicación por propofol con una manera de muerte suicida; esto mediante el estudio de artículos científicos y exposición de un caso clínico y discutiendo la importancia del análisis de cada uno de los elementos aportados y solicitados durante la investigación médico legal, como también la especial y delicada importancia de una correcta recolección de muestras biológicas para el estudio toxicológico; de esta manera se con concluye que el propofol es un fármaco altamente nocivo al usarse de forma inadecuada, la determinación de la manera de muerte es una tarea compleja para el médico forense en este tipo de casos, y la adecuada obtención y preservación de las muestras postmorten tienen una alta importancia para su análisis e investigación.

Abstract Suicide with medications is a type of death that is considered violent from a medical legal point of view due to the circumstances in which it occurs, the use of propofol is one of the medications that has been documented in these forms of death, so the objective of this scientific article is to detail the pharmacological characteristics of propofol and the elements to consider during the postmortem study of corpses when propofol poisoning is suspected with a suicidal manner of death; This through the study of scientific articles and exposition of a clinical case and discussing the importance of the analysis of each of the elements contributed and requested during the legal medical investigation, as well as the special and delicate importance of a correct collection of biological samples for the toxicological study; In this way, it is concluded that propofol is a highly harmful drug when used improperly, the determination of the way of death is a complex task for the forensic doctor in this type of cases, and the adequate obtaining and preservation of samples postmortens are of high importance for their analysis and research.

Fractura de "clay shoveler" como consecuencia de un accidente de trabajo en un peón agrícola: reporte de un caso / Clay shoveler's fracture as a result of a work injury in a manual laborer: case report

Resumen La fractura de "clay shoveler" es una fractura poco frecuente de la apófisis espinosa de las vértebras cervicales o torácicas superiores, más comúnmente entre C6 y T6 producida de manera aguda o crónica por fuerzas rotacionales ejercidas a nivel cervical en la labor de "palear", aunque también se han reportado casos asociados a la práctica de algunos deportes. Se presenta el caso de un péon agrícola de 43 años de edad que consulta por cervicalgia y sensación de inmovilidad luego de un movimiento brusco durante un levantamiento de tierra con pala, siendo que el ente asegurador no establece relación de causalidad, por lo que demanda a nivel judicial para valoración médico legal, documentándose fractura de "clay shoveler" en C7 y T1 según estudios radiológicos. La valoración médico legal del caso, que se sustentó en la documentación médica y estudios radiológicos, permitió determinar que la lesión evidenciada era consecuencia del accidente laboral reportado, estableciéndose la relación causal.

Abstract Clay shoveler's fracture is an infrequent lesion of the spinous process of the cervical or upper thoracic vertebrae, mainly between C6 and T6, produced acutely or chronically because of rotational forces exerted at the cervical level during shoveling, but some cases have been reported as a result of the practice of sports. We present the case of a 43-year old manual laborer who consulted because of cervical pain and range of motion limitation after a sudden move performed during shoveling, diagnosed with a clay shoveler's fracture in C7 and T1, treated conservatively. The patient was discharged after finishing treatment, since the insurance company dismissed causality. The medico legal assessment of the case, based on medical documentation, radiological findings and an Orthopedics consult, helped stablish causality since it was determined that the fracture was a result of the accident reported.

Aspectos médico legales de heridas cortantes en cuello / Medico-legal aspects of stab wounds to the neck. Case report

Introducción: Las lesiones por trauma del cuello pueden ser abiertas o cerradas y a su vez se clasifican en superficiales y profundas. La decisión quirúrgica depende de la determinación del compromiso de órganos vitales. Objetivo: Determinar la importancia del conocimiento de estructuras anatómicas que conforman el cuello para establecer la trayectoria de la herida.Presentación del caso: Se reporta el caso de un paciente masculino de 27 años, quien recibe herida cortante en el cuello. El paciente exhibía una herida extensa de tipo superficial en la zona II del cuello, cuya gravedad corresponde al grado 1, por tanto, se suturó la herida, luego se envió al paciente a su domicilio y control posterior para retiro de puntos. Los aspectos médicos legales en el presente caso van encaminados a brindar información relevante respecto al compromiso o no de algún órgano vital o grandes vasos, dicha información facilita al señor fiscal para el establecimiento del tipo penal. Discusión: Es importante la presentación del caso ya que nos permite establecer el tratamiento médico que debe recibir el paciente en caso de heridas de cuello y su importancia médico legal para el establecimiento de un delito.Conclusiones: El conocimiento de las estructuras anatómicas que conforman el cuello determinan el trayecto de la herida y permite un tratamiento correcto en el manejo médico legal.

Introduction: Neck trauma injuries can be open or closed and in turn are classified as superficial and deep. The surgical decision depends on the determination of the commitment of vital organs. Objective: Determine the importance of anatomical knowledge of the neck to establish the trajectory of the wound.Case Presentation: The case of a 27-year-old patient is reported, who is attacked with a knife to the neck. The patient exhi-bited an extensive cutting wound of a superficial type in zone II of the neck, the severity of which corresponds to grade 1, therefore, the wound was sutured, then the patient was sent home and subsequent monitoring for removal of stitches. The medico-legal aspects in this case are aimed at providing relevant information regarding the commitment or not of a vital organ or large vessels, such information facilitates the prosecutor for the establishment of the criminal type. Discussion: The presentation of the case is important since it allows us to establish what medical treatment the patient should receive in case of neck injuries and the medical-legal importance of it for the establishment of a crime.Conclusions: The anatomical knowledge of the neck determines the trajectory of the wound and allows to stablish an appropriate treatment in legal medical management.

Medico-legal autopsies of homicidal deaths: A five-year retrospective study in Hospital Sungai Bul

@#Introduction: Homicide is the act of killing one human being by another, encompassing death as a result of criminal act including justifiable homicide such as judicial killing and self-defence. This study aimed to ascertain the epidemiology and patterns of injury of homicide victims. Materials and Methods: We reviewed records of medico-legal autopsy cases performed at the Department of Forensic Medicine, Hospital Sungai Buloh, for a period of five years, from January 2012 until December 2016. Subjects’ demographic data such as age, gender, nationality, ethnicity and cause of death were recorded. Results: A total of 122 homicide cases were documented. 90% of the victims were 18 to 65 years old. Males contributed 80% of the subjects. An alarming 42% of the subjects comprised of non-Malaysians. Indonesian subjects contributed one-third of the non-citizen category, followed by Bangladeshis at 20.4%. Other nationalities were Burmese, Nepalese, Pakistani, Vietnamese and unspecified. Among Malaysians, 50% of the subjects were Indians, followed by Malay (31.5%) and Chinese (17.8%). Sharp and blunt force traumas were the most common injuries found, contributing 33% and 32% respectively. Asphyxiation and firearm injuries recorded an almost similar frequency, contributing 25% in combination. Other patterns included combined sharp and blunt objects (4.9%) and burns (3%). Conclusions: A large number of immigrants in the country have significantly increased the forensic casework. Sharp and blunt objects continue to be the weapon of choice due to its easy accessibility. As domestic violence including fatal spousal and child abuse continue to rise, in-depth study in the area is warranted. Keywords: h

Challenges faced in handling the medico-legal cases in a selected teaching hospital

Background: Doctor comes across certain ‘Medico-Legal’ problems at one time or the other during the practice of his/her profession. Reporting a medico legal case (MLC) is one of the legal responsibilities of all doctors to ensure that immediate action is taken by the police and maximum evidence is collected by them. This study was undertaken to assess the knowledge and attitude of the staff in dealing medico-legal case in tertiary care hospital and to find the challenges faced by them while handling the medico-legal cases.Methods: A cross sectional Study was conducted at Yenepoya Medical College Hospital, Mangalore among the Staff working in Accident and Emergency Department during the study period of 6 months.Results: The study was conducted among 116 study participants, most 108 (93.1%) were in the age group of 20-29 years and 77 (66.4%) were females. It was seen that only 3 (2.6%) of them correctly answered 17-20 questions out of 20 questions that were asked. Knowledge regarding MLC case was much high among CMO compared to others which was statistically significant with p value <0.0001. Challenges faced by the study participants were patients or the patient party not willing for MLC, delayed treatment due to the confusion, answering the court, handling the police and the violent public in few cases.Conclusions: Knowledge on dealing with MLC and a proper counseling session for patients of MLC cases can help to overcome various challenges faced while dealing with any MLC case.

Responsabilidad Médica en Chile: Fallos de la Corte Suprema de Justicia 2017 / Medical Malpractice in Chile: Rulings of the Supreme Court of Justice 2017

RESUMEN: El objetivo de este trabajo fue analizar los datos epidemiológicos y jurídicos de los casos por responsabilidad médica fallados por la Corte Suprema de Justicia chilena (CSJ) el año 2017, para relevar los escenarios de alto riesgo, aportando a su prevención. Se realizó un estudio retrospectivo, revisando los fallos de la CSJ en la base de datos electrónica del Poder Judicial chileno. Se seleccionaron y analizaron los fallos por responsabilidad médica. Se detectó un total de 61 casos por responsabilidad médica que alcanzaron la CSJ en 2017. Todos correspondieron a causas civiles. La duración promedio de los juicios fue 41,9 meses. La especialidad más demandada y condenada fue ginecología. La mayoría de las demandas y condenas afectó al Sistema Público de salud. Los casos que dan origen a las demandas son, en su mayoría, de atención de urgencias por sobre las programadas, y de tratamiento por sobre procedimientos quirúrgicos. El 54,8 % de los casos resultaron en la muerte del paciente. La mitad de los fallos condenatorios involucraba el fallecimiento del usuario afectado. Se deben investigar los factores de riesgo no sólo de la ocurrencia de mal-praxis, si no de la judicialización de los conflictos médico-paciente, especialmente en el área gineco-obstétrica, incluyendo los casos de instancias anteriores a la CSJ. Se debe investigar así mismo los factores de riesgo para la mayor propensión de los profesionales de sexo masculino de ser demandados y condenados por malpraxis médica.

ABSTRACT: The objective of the present study is to characterize the epidemiologic and juridical data for medical malpractice cases ruled by the Chilean Supreme Court (CSC) in 2017, to highlight the high risk scenarios, as a contribution to their prevention. A search of the CSC electronic database was conducted to identify and analyze CSC rulings for medical malpractice cases. In this study 61 malpractice cases ruled by CSC were identified. The CSC received only civil cases of medical malpractices during the studied period. The average duration of the trial was 41.9 months. Gynecologists faced suits and received sentences more frequently than any other type of specialist. The majority of prosecuted cases and convictions were associated with the public health system. A greater number of claims were related to emergency care than with scheduled procedures. Likewise, more claims were associated with non-surgical treatment than with surgical procedures. 54.8 % of all cases resulted in the patient's death. Half of the cases that lead to conviction, were related to the death of a patient. Risk factors should be investigated, not only of the occurrence of malpractice, but also of the judicial process of doctor-patient conflicts, especially in the obstetrics and gynecology area, including the analysis of cases of prior judicial instances. The risk factors for the higher propensity of male professionals to be prosecuted and convicted for medical malpractice should also be investigated.

Ground sections of teeth: histopathological study modality

Ground sections of teeth or bone are considered best solutions for the study of any hard tissues in the study of histopathology. Various studies have been performed like progression of dental caries, enamel studies, dentin studies, cementum annulation studies, bone morphologies, age determinaton studies, etc. It is important study part in any forensic studies where mass disasters occurring as natural phenomenon of cyclonic events, earth quakes, floods and volcanic explosions and airplane accidents, industrial accidents and terror related acts. Forensic dentistry has played a vital role and many medico-legal cases are solved by studying the teeth. Ground sections study is important in any part of research. For a dentist this phenomenon is less understood, and this article brings in limelight various methods and study pattern of ground sections of teeth. With this knowledge an understanding and performing ground sections of teeth becomes a well start for dental graduates. Various other modalities in histopathology are decalcification studies, histopathological staining procedures, special stains procedures, immunohistochemistry. All the histopathological modalities have their own importance and are used appropriately in the study of oral pathology.

Abuso sexual en el paciente pediátrico / Sexual abuse in the pediatric patient

Resumen El abuso sexual infantil es la causa específica más común de violencia intrafamiliar en menores de 18 años en Costa Rica. Entre los factores de riesgo se encuentran el pertenecer a una familia disfuncional, el uso de la violencia como método de educación, la falta de educación sexual y los menores de edad con discapacidades cognitivas o trastornos del desarrollo. Los menores de edad tienden a ser víctimas abusadas crónicamente y que su reporte es tardío por lo que la valoración debe iniciarse desde que se tiene la mínima sospecha. El abordaje debe ser integral, realizando una detallada historia clínica y examen físico, así como una valoración legal y recolección de evidencia. Un sinnúmero de consecuencias sufren las víctima de abuso sexual infantil, entre ellos se encuentran los trastornos de personalidad, el trastorno de género, las enfermedades de transmisión sexual y la depresión. Si bien Costa Rica está a la vanguardia a nivel internacional en temas de derechos humanos, la incidencia de casos reportados de abuso sexual infantil ha incrementado en los últimos años por lo que es un tema que involucra a todos los actores de la sociedad para su abordaje.

Abstract Child sexual abuse is the most common specific cause of intrafamilial violence in children under 18 years old in Costa Rica. Among the risk factors are belonging to a dysfunctional family, the use of violence as a method of education, lack of sexual education, and children with cognitive disabilities or developmental disorders. Minors tend to be chronically abused victims and that their report is delayed, so the assessment should start from the moment of the slightest suspicion. The approach must be comprehensive, performing a detailed clinical history and physical examination, as well as a legal assessment and evidence collection. Countless consequences suffer the victims of child sexual abuse, among them are personality disorders, gender disorder, sexually transmitted diseases, and depression. Although Costa Rica is at the forefront of international human rights issues, the incidence of reported cases of child sexual abuse has increased in recent years, which is why it is an issue that involves all actors in society to address it.

Association of coronary artery calcium score with calcification and degree of stenosis: An autopsy study

@#Introduction: Coronary artery disease (CAD) is a known cause of major cardiovascular events and calcium score (CS) has been developed as a marker of coronary atherosclerosis. Yet, the relationship between post mortem computed tomography (PMCT) CS with histologically observed calcification and the severity of coronary artery stenosis has not been widely explored and is still unclear. This study aims to determine the association between coronary artery PMCT CS with histologically observed calcification and degree of stenosis of coronary arteries in post-mortem cases. Materials & Methods: This was a cross-sectional study involving 101 subjects recruited from the National Institute of Forensic Medicine (IPFN) Hospital Kuala Lumpur (HKL) over a period of 15 months, from December 2012 until April 2014. PMCT CS of the coronary arteries was calculated using Agatston-Janowitz score. Histological presence of calcification was observed and the degree of stenosis was calculated using an image analysis technique. Results: PMCT CS increased with increasing severity of stenosis (p<0.001). PMCT CS showed a positive correlation with the presence of calcification (r=-0.82, p<0.001). Conclusion: Calcium score is strongly associated with coronary artery calcification and the degree of luminal stenosis in post mortem subjects. Thus, PMCT may be useful as a non-invasive tool in diagnosing CAD in the event that an autopsy is not possible.

Perversão ou perversidade? Genealogia de um debate médico-jurídico / Perversion or perversity? Genealogy of a medical-legal debate

Resumo O artigo analisa as condições de formação do conceito psiquiátrico de "perversão" e mais especificamente a maneira como, a partir dos anos 1820, se constrói uma oposição fundamental e estruturante entre "perversão" e "perversidade" que se evidencia tanto no campo jurídico como no médico-legal. Compreender esse jogo de oposição e de poder entre ambos os conceitos permite entender alguns conflitos profissionais entre médicos e juristas, mas também algumas disputas políticas.

Abstract The article analyzes the conditions of formation of the psychiatric concept of "perversion" and, more specifically, the way in which, from the 1820s, a fundamental structuring opposition between "perversion" and "perversity" in juridical and medical-legal fields was constructed. Understanding this game of opposition and power between both concepts allows assimilating some professional conflicts between doctors and jurists, as well as some political disputes.

Aspectos médico legales a considerar del cáncer ocupacional: revisión bibliográfica / Legal medical aspects to consider in occupational cancer: bibliographical review

ResumenEl cáncer ocupacional es sin duda uno de los temas mas controversiales a valorar, dentro de la amplia gama de posibles pericias a las que puede enfrentarse en su diaria labor el médico forense. Es importante recalcar que el establecimiento del nexo de causalidad es la piedra angular cuando se habla de cáncer ocupacional, siendo de suma importancia que el médico forense se concentre en primera instancia en conocer la fisiopatología de cada una de las posibles patologías así como de sus posibles complicaciones radicando la importancia del médico forense en la capacidad de poder establecer o descartar la existencia de una relación de causalidad entre el diagnóstico clínico y los hechos narrados.

AbstractOccupational cancer is undoubtedly one of the most controversial issues to evaluate, within the wide range of possible expertise that can be faced in your daily work forensics. It is important to emphasize that the establishment of the causal link is the cornerstone when it comes to occupational cancer, and it is of the utmost importance that the forensic physician should concentrate in the first instance on the pathophysiology of each of the possible pathologies as well as their possible Complications rooting the importance of the medical examiner in the ability to establish or rule out the existence of a causal relationship between the clinical diagnosis and the events reported.