Sudden unexplained death in a patient with a family history of malignant hyperthermia.

A 23-year-old healthy white male in excellent physical condition developed cardiac arrest and rigidity during moderate exercise. He had a strong family history of malignant hyperthermia (MH). Two hours postmortem, his temperature was noted to be markedly elevated [41 degrees C (106 degrees F)]. A review of the possible differential diagnoses point to MH as a reasonable etiology.

Clinical forensic medicine.

This article discusses the merits of participation by medical examiners in the area of clinical forensic medicine. The present connotation that we deal after the fact should be abandoned with enhanced involvement in assisting the living. The paper focuses on a broad range of categories where forensic scientists by virtue of their training and experience could be most helpful in the application of medical knowledge to the solution of questions of law.

Agent Orange. Update.

Review of the available literature on dioxin over the last several years is reported. There has been considerable writing on the subject, but extraction of true scientific data from emotionalism and sensationalism remains difficult. We must continue to remain alert to potential hazards stemming from this herbicidal chemical and await more definitive and conclusive studies than have been published to date.

Medicolegal aspects of industrial disease.

Although health and environmental problems caused by industrial hazards and accidents have usually not been given as high a priority as they deserve, government spending in appropriate areas is being decreased still further at a time when financing for cleaning up and prevention of future mishaps is needed most. The resultant dangers to both our environment in general and to populated communities must be pointed out to officials in charge of appropriations, something which medical examiners and practicing physicians are in an ideal position to do.

The Minamata disease.

Minamata disease is a relatively new disease entity secondary to an environmental pollution, methyl mercury poisoning. The pathogenesis and pathology are described. The disease is a preventable one and precautionary steps through more stringent environmental policies are currently under way.

Dioxin. A case in point.

The dangers posed by herbicidal chemicals to organisms and the environment are pointed out in this review of their development beginning in World War II. In particular, the toxic results of the spraying of dioxin (Agent Orange) in Vietnam are detailed, with corroborating data from clinical and field studies and reports of related industrial accidents. Despite a recent ban imposed on all dioxin-containing herbicides by the Environmental Protection Agency, widespread domestic use of herbicides continues and acceptance of the dangers is incomplete. As a result, forensic scientists must remain alert to potential hazards stemming from the use of these contaminants in their communities at least until strict federal regulatory legislation can be enacted.

The general pathologist's role in forensic medicine: the Massachusetts scene.

The Commonwealth of Massachusetts medicolegal system is discussed. The current situation necessitates active participation by general pathologists. The rudimentary skills needed in forensic pathology are delineated. It is emphasized that since medicolegal cases are nationally increasing and since recent comprehensive studies confirm the present shortage of full time forensic pathologists, it is imperative that general pathologists become more involved.