Victim profile and pattern of thoraco-abdominal injuries sustained in fatal road traffic accidents.

The present research aims to highlight the pattern of thoraco-abdominal injuries sustained by the victims of fatal road traffic accidents (RTA) in Manipal, South India. The study is an autopsy based observation of thoraco-abdominal injuries in victims of fatal road traffic accidents during 1999 – 2003. Road traffic accidents accounted for most of the injury related deaths (77%) during the study period. A male preponderance (86%) was observed with a male-female ratio of 6:1. Individuals in the age group of 21 to 50 years formed the most vulnerable (83%) group. External thoracic injuries were more common than internal thoracic injuries in the thoracic region. In the abdominal region, internal injuries were more common than external injuries. Lungs (61%) and kidneys (23%) were the most commonly involved organs in the thoracic and abdominal regions respectively. Majority of the victims were two wheeler occupants (35%) followed by pedestrians (23%). The study indicates the pattern of thoraco-abdominal injuries sustained along with the trend of road traffic accidents in the region.

Post-mortem diagnosis of gestation choriocarcinoma: A case report.

The present case demonstrates how a clinico-pathological approach of a forensic pathologist played a key role in deciding a sudden suspicious death and also highlights the characteristics of gestational choriocarcinoma and its importance’s in post mortem diagnosis among the forensic experts and clinicians. Investigating authorities were curious in knowing whether the death was due to criminal abortion or suicidal consumption of poisoning. The case was unraveled so that the rested soul is given justice and free from all defames.