Suicide by an Electric Power Drill and Spade Drill Bit: An Unusual Mechanism of Death.

ABSTRACT: Self-inflicted penetrating brain injuries with drills have been reported but are uncommon and typically involve the use of conventional drill bits. We report an unusual case of a 56-year-old man with a history of psychiatric illness who completed suicide using an electric drill and spade-type drill bit. Multiple superficial scalp and deeper bony injuries were sustained, although without breach of the dura, and death was not from brain injury, but secondary to venous air embolism related to entrainment of air into diploic vessels.

A Possible Mechanism of Laryngohyoid Fractures in Hanging: A Preliminary Observation.

ABSTRACT: Fractures of the hyoid bone, particularly the greater horns, and thyroid cartilage (superior horns) are known to be associated with hanging deaths. Depending on the literature, the frequency of these fractures varies from 0% to 83%. The mechanism underlying these fractures is believed to be direct compression or indirect traction from the ligature. The relationship of these structures with the cervical spine cannot be visualized with traditional internal examination, due to obstruction by surrounding soft tissue. Postmortem computed tomography scan offers an unobscured view of the relationship of the laryngohyoid structures with the cervical spine.We aim to illustrate the phenomenon of displacement of the laryngohyoid structures associated with fractures of the horns. In our case reports, the laryngohyoid structures were displaced, not only superiorly and posteriorly, but also in 2 of the cases, by tilting, when the suspension point was at the posterior or posterolateral aspect of the neck. This displacement had caused the greater horns of the hyoid bone and superior horns of the thyroid cartilage to be approximated against the cervical spine, particularly the transverse processes. We believe that, in these circumstances, the fractures were caused by pressure of the horns of the laryngohyoid structures against the cervical spine.

Exsanguination From an Ulcerated, Atypical, Superficial Venous Malformation.

Venous malformations (VMs) are the most common vascular malformations, and their diagnosis can be challenging. They may develop in any region of the body, with highly variable clinical presentations. Although they typically present early in life, many case reports have documented the sudden appearance of a previously unrecognized venous malformation in adulthood. Pain is the major complaint in most of the cases, and other complications include phlebolith formation and bleeding. To our knowledge, fatal hemorrhage from a VM has not previously been reported in the medical literature. We present a case of exsanguination from a previously undiagnosed lower limb superficial VM. This case stresses the importance of proper diagnosis and management of VM.

"Was the Infant Born Alive?" A Review of Postmortem Techniques Used to Determine Live Birth In Cases of Suspected Neonaticide.

The question of whether an infant was born alive has received much attention in the forensic literature. The volume of literature reflects the degree of controversy surrounding the techniques employed and their varied interpretation and utility. The majority of the investigation has been focused on the question "Has the infant breathed?" to determine if an infant was born alive by utilizing techniques that assess aeration of the lungs. However, caution must be employed when interpreting these techniques due to the well-recognized limitations in their interpretation, particularly in the presence of gaseous decomposition and/or resuscitation efforts. Although in some instances there may be irrefutable evidence that the infant was born alive, there is no single finding that can reliably be utilized to answer the question "Was the infant born alive?" in every case. Hence, the approach to postmortem investigation continues to include a wide range of observations, dissections, special techniques, and ancillary tests to assist the pathologist to form a considered opinion. There are a number of more recently described techniques which show great promise in assisting to answer this question including advanced imaging and immunohistochemical studies of the umbilical cord. It remains, though, that in many cases it is not possible to definitively answer this question and stillbirth should be assumed due to the potential legal implications of determining that an infant was born alive.

The source of haemorrhage in traumatic basal subarachnoid haemorrhage.

Traumatic basal subarachnoid haemorrhage (TBSH) following trauma to the head, face or neck is well-established as a cause of death; however it remains a heavily disputed topic as the site of vascular injury is difficult to identify. Whilst many regions within the vasculature of the head and neck have been proposed as more susceptible to rupture, the vertebral artery remains the focal point of many investigations. We present a retrospective case review of TBSH in our forensic centre at Forensic and Scientific Services in Brisbane, Australia, from 2003 to 2011. Thirteen cases of TBSH were found, one case excluded due to vasculopathy. All decedents were male, the majority of which were involved in an altercation receiving blows to the head, face, or neck and were unconscious at the scene. All victims were under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or a combination thereof. External examination revealed injuries to the head, face, and neck in all cases. Various combinations of further examination techniques were used during the post-mortem examination including brain and/or cervical spine retention, CT imaging, and angiography. Vascular injury was identified in eight of the twelve cases, all of which occurred intracranially, with seven involving the vertebral artery. Histology was most reliable in identifying the rupture site and angiography failed to reveal a rupture site. The added benefits of histology over angiography are the ability to identify the microscopic architecture of the tear and to diagnose vasculopathy that may have rendered the individual more susceptible to TBSH.

Defining the role of lipoprotein apheresis in the management of familial hypercholesterolemia.

Familial hypercholesterolemia (FH) is an autosomal co-dominant disorder characterized by a marked elevation of serum low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol (LDL-C) concentration, which in turn is associated with a greatly increased risk of premature cardiovascular disease. International consensus recommends the use of statins as the first line of treatment for patients with this condition. However, homozygote FH patients with persistently elevated LDL-C levels are usually resistant to multiple-drug therapy. Fortunately, LDL apheresis (or simply 'lipoprotein apheresis') provides a treatment option for patients who are refractory or intolerant to lipid-lowering medications, or if there is progressive cardiovascular disease despite maximal drug therapy. Lipoprotein apheresis is an extracorporeal LDL-C-lowering treatment similar in concept to renal dialysis. There are now five main methods for extracorporeal lipoprotein apheresis in use, namely dextran sulfate adsorption (DSA), heparin extracorporeal LDL precipitation (HELP), polyacrylate full blood adsorption (PFBA or DALI® system) using hemoperfusion, immunoadsorption, and filtration plasmapheresis. Lipoprotein apheresis has been shown to be successful in reducing LDL-C levels, as well as levels of lipoprotein(a) [Lp(a)], a prothrombotic proatherogenic lipoprotein. In contrast, however, lipoprotein apheresis seems to have a smaller effect in preventing atherosclerosis progression, thus suggesting that a major component of the reduction in cardiovascular events may be mediated by mitigating Lp(a) levels. Side effects are infrequent and mild, and have mainly consisted of lightheadedness, nausea, vomiting, and hypotension. As these are often bradykinin-mediated and associated with concomitant ACE inhibitor use, angiotensin type 2 receptor antagonists should be used instead of ACE inhibitors with DALI and PFBA. Nevertheless, there is scope for wider application of lipoprotein apheresis. The high cost and invasive nature of lipoprotein apheresis limits uptake; however, it is an important treatment modality that should be considered in carefully selected patients. National and international registries compiling outcome data for lipoprotein apheresis need to be established to help expand the evidence base regarding its effectiveness.

Fatal bilateral pneumothoraces following administration of aerosolised pentamidine.

Aerosolised pentamidine (AP) is used for prophylaxis against infection with Pneumocystis jiroveci (carinii), a significant cause of morbidity and mortality for people with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). In this article we report a 55 year old man with HIV and a background history of asthma since childhood, who suffered respiratory arrest and died within an hour of commencing AP prophylaxis. Autopsy revealed bilateral pneumothoraces. Common side effects of AP therapy include bronchospasm and coughing. Pneumothorax has been reported in several cases. To our knowledge, this is the first reported fatality from bilateral pneumothoraces.

Retinal hemorrhages associated with meningitis in a child with a congenital disorder of glycosylation.

A 9-month old infant presented in a state of shock to a district hospital. She was subsequently referred to the regional tertiary hospital. On admission, bruises were noted on the vertex of the skull. Retinal hemorrhages were present on ophthalmological examination. CT scan of the brain showed poor grey-white matter differentiation with apparent frontoparietal fractures of the skull. Her case was subsequently referred to the relevant authorities as it was suspicious for nonaccident injury (NAI). Her condition deteriorated and she died the next day. Postmortem examination showed that the bruises on the vertex were caused by rapid widening of the sutures of the skull, caused by rising intracranial pressure. There was no skull fracture or evidence of trauma. Histological examination of the brain showed meningitis which had extended to the optic nerve sheath. Hemorrhages were noted in the retinas as well as the optic nerve sheath. An incidental congenital disorder of glycosylation (CDG) was diagnosed on brain histology and confirmed by metabolic tests. Retinal hemorrhages are known to occur in head injuries especially in association with NAI. In this case, suspicion of NAI was further augmented by the presence of apparent bruises on the head. The full postmortem examination showed no evidence of injuries and instead showed that the child was suffering from meningitis. Blood culture grew Group A Streptococcus pyogenes. The underlying mechanisms for such a presentation and the association with CDG are discussed.

Quality assurance in forensic pathology.

One of the requirements for proper running of a pathology laboratory is implementation of a quality assurance programme. Forensic pathology is not exempted, especially so when cases are increasing in complexity. It is not difficult to introduce a quality assurance programme even in a small forensic centre. Among the steps that can be implemented including introduction of a set of minimal standards in performance of the autopsy, timeliness and report writing, a vigorous peer review process either internally or externally and participation in external quality programmes. Proper documentation of the post-mortem process (photography, slides and blocks and various imaging modalities) is to be encouraged. There should be limits set on workload of pathologists as overburden is known to lower standards. A pleasant work environment is also essential. Personal continuous medical education should be made mandatory. Introduction of a quality assurance programme will not only improve standards but minimise possible negligence. The post-mortem reports will be seen to carry more weight in court.

The distribution of inflammation and virus in human enterovirus 71 encephalomyelitis suggests possible viral spread by neural pathways.

Previous neuropathologic studies of Enterovirus 71 encephalomyelitis have not investigated the anatomic distribution of inflammation and viral localization in the central nervous system (CNS) in detail. We analyzed CNS and non-CNS tissues from 7 autopsy cases from Malaysia and found CNS inflammation patterns to be distinct and stereotyped. Inflammation was most marked in spinal cord gray matter, brainstem, hypothalamus, and subthalamic and dentate nuclei; it was focal in the cerebrum, mainly in the motor cortex, and was rare in dorsal root ganglia. Inflammation was absent in the cerebellar cortex, thalamus, basal ganglia, peripheral nerves, and autonomic ganglia. The parenchymal inflammatory response consisted of perivascular cuffs, variable edema, neuronophagia, and microglial nodules. Inflammatory cells were predominantly CD68-positive macrophage/microglia, but there were a few CD8-positive lymphocytes. There were no viral inclusions; viral antigens and RNA were localized only in the somata and processes of small numbers of neurons and in phagocytic cells. There was no evidence of virus in other CNS cells, peripheral nerves, dorsal root autonomic ganglia, or non-CNS organs. The results indicate that Enterovirus 71 is neuronotropic, and that, although hematogenous spread cannot be excluded, viral spread into the CNS could be via neural pathways, likely the motor but not peripheral sensory or autonomic pathways. Viral spread within the CNS seems to involve motor and possibly other pathways.

Limited post-mortem examination. An alternative and viable way to avoid full examination?

A complete post-mortem examination is required in most medicolegal investigation systems. Though uncommon, some jurisdictions allow limited post-mortem examination if it is adequate to fulfil the death inquiries. One such jurisdiction is the state of Queensland with the commencement of the new Coroners Act. It permits the Coroner to order limited post-mortem examination confined to a specific region or regions of the body based on the circumstances received from the investigating police.There is a paucity of literature comparing the completeness of limited post-mortem examination compared with complete examination. We aim to study whether limited post-mortem examination can partially replace complete examination in specific circumstances. Archival post-mortem reports with history are obtained. Cases where obvious complete post-mortem examination is required [e.g., sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS), homicide, medicolegal hospital cases, pregnancy deaths], decomposed and skeletonized cases are excluded from the study. The region or regions (head, neck, chest, or abdomen) most appropriate for examination are derived from studying the circumstances given.Three hundred and fifty-one cases were reviewed, of which 136 were found to be suitable to be incorporated into the study. Discrepancies were present in 17.7% (n = 24) of the cases (15 cases due to different cause of death, seven due to changes in interpretation, and two where pathology may be significant to the family). When classified according to mode of death, the percentages were 46.4%, 11.1%, and 9.3% for the accident, natural, and suicide groups, respectively. When compared to region examined, the discrepancies were 9 out of 18 for head, 1 out of 20 for neck, 5 out of 70 for chest, none of out 2 for extremities, and 3 out of 4 for abdomen.The study showed a significantly high percentage of discrepancies when limited post-mortem examination was performed. The missed information may impede medicolegal inquiries, police investigation, and interfere with the course of justice. Significant information about familial disease may be missed.

A retrospective study of the accuracy between clinical and autopsy cause of death in the University of Malaya Medical Centre.

It is well known that diagnostic accuracy of the clinical cause of death has not improved despite advances in diagnostic techniques. We aimed to investigate the accuracy of the clinical cause of death compared with the autopsy cause of death and to see if the Coroner's autopsy can play a role in clinical audit. Our study population consisted of all autopsies where the deceased was hospitalised or resuscitated at the Accident and Emergency Unit of the University of Malaya Medical Centre before death, performed during the period July 1998 to June 2000. The cases were subdivided according to natural and unnatural causes of deaths. Natural deaths were further subdivided in relation to the main organ systems involved while unnatural deaths were subcategorised into trauma, poisoning and burns. The rate of agreement between clinical and autopsy cause of death was further compared with duration of survival in the hospital. Of 132 autopsies included in this study, 115 were Coroner's autopsies. 78% of cases showed agreement between clinical and autopsy cause of death. The agreement rate in Coroner's cases was 80.0%. For natural and unnatural causes, the agreement rate was 56.7% and 84.3% respectively. There were 6 cases (4.5%) where an initial accurate diagnosis might have altered the prognosis of the deceased. In general, the rate of agreement increased with duration of survival of patients. However, this was no longer observed after a survival of more than 28 days. Our findings agree with other similar studies. The diagnostic accuracy of cause of death has not improved despite the modernisation in medical technology. The autopsy still plays an important role in clinical audit and medical education.

Infanticide in Malaysia: two case reports and a review of literature.

In a strict and conservative society like Malaysia, the number of cases of infanticide has continued to occur. The authors present two typical cases of infanticide in Malaysia. Case 1 concerned a body of a fully mature newborn fetus disposed in a rubbish bin. The head was traumatically amputated by the rubbish truck's compactor. The umbilical cord was still attached to the body, with no reddening around the insertion. The severed neck showed features consistent with post-mortem amputation. The significant finding was expanded crepitant lungs, which floated in water. The histology of the lungs showed expanded alveoli. It was concluded that the baby had been born alive, but no cause of death could be elicited. Case 2 concerned a decomposed mature newborn found in a scrub forest. The internal organs showed advanced putrefaction, the lungs being collapsed, congested, and hemorrhagic, typical of decomposed lungs. No conclusion could be made about the state of birth or the cause of death because of the putrefied state of the body. The two cases illustrate the typical cases and problems faced by pathologists locally and probably elsewhere in the world. Most of the bodies are found in a putrefied state. Pathologists have to ascertain not only maturity and live birth but also the cause of death, which may be very subtle or masked by putrefaction. The problems of diagnosis of live birth are discussed.