MyMedR

Displaying publications 1 - 20 of 39 in total

Abstract:

Sort:

The post-mortem resilience of facial creases and the possibility for use in identification of the dead

Hadi H, Wilkinson CM

Forensic Sci Int, 2014 Apr;237:149.e1-149.e7.
PMID: 24613011 DOI: 10.1016/j.forsciint.2013.12.014

The post-mortem resilience of facial creases was studied using donated bodies in order to establish the efficacy of crease analysis for identification of the dead. Creases were studied on normal (pre-embalmed) and bloated (embalmed) cadavers at the Centre for Anatomy and Human Identification (CAHID) to establish whether facial bloating would affect facial crease visibility. Embalming was chosen to simulate the effects produced by post-mortem bloating. The results suggested that creases are resilient and changes were only detected for creases located on the periphery of the face, particularly at areas where the skin is thick, such as at the cheeks. Two new creases not previously classified were identified; these creases were called the vertical superciliary arch line and the lateral nose crease. This research suggests that facial creases may be resilient enough after death to be utilised for human identification.

Matched MeSH terms: Forensic Pathology
First records of two species of Oriental scuttle flies (Diptera: Phoridae) from forensic cases

Thevan K, Disney RH, Ahmad AH

Forensic Sci Int, 2010 Feb 25;195(1-3):e5-7.
PMID: 19944547 DOI: 10.1016/j.forsciint.2009.10.020

In Penang, Malaysia, the Oriental and Afrotropical Megaselia curtineura (Brues) and the Oriental and Japanese Megaselia spiracularis Schmitz are reported from human corpses, these being the first reports of these species in such forensic cases.

Matched MeSH terms: Forensic Pathology
Prevalence of diatom frustules in non-vegetarian foodstuffs and its implications in interpreting identification of diatom frustules in drowning cases

Yen LY, Jayaprakash PT

Forensic Sci Int, 2007 Jul 20;170(1):1-7.
PMID: 17023133

Detection of diatom frustules in bone marrow (diatom test) is used for diagnosing ante-mortem drowning where the usual signs of drowning are not present in dead bodies recovered from water. However, controversies over the reliability of diatom test results are continuing. There have been indications on the possibilities of diatoms entering into systemic circulation from atmospheric air, food and drink. While diatoms have been demonstrated in the gut content of edible marine forms such as shrimps and clams, the present study, for the first time, provides empirical evidence on the prevalence as well as abundance of diatom frustules in the samples of cooked non-vegetarian foodstuffs that impend human consumption in Kelantan, Malaysia. It is found that 50 g each of cleaned and cooked prawns and of clams impending human consumption contain about 8360 and 29,054 diatom frustules, respectively. A person accustomed to prawn and clam food would be ingesting an estimated 2 million diatoms in a single year. Considering the suggestion that detection of five diatom frustules in 10 g of bone marrow would suffice for concluding drowning as mode of death, and the fact that there is yet no proof that diatom frustules do not enter into the human systemic circulation through the digestive tract, the estimated number of diatom frustules routinely ingested acquires significance since entry of a few of such ingested frustules into the systemic circulation can lead to false positive test results. The findings of this research raise two important issues: first, population based routine food related diatom ingestion requires to be estimated, and, second, studies have to be initiated to categorically prove or disprove the possibility of entry of diatom frustules into the systemic circulation via the digestive tract.

Matched MeSH terms: Forensic Pathology/methods
Studies on the formation, temporal evolution and forensic applications of camera "fingerprints"

Kuppuswamy R

Forensic Sci Int, 2006 Jun 2;159(2-3):210-7.
PMID: 16219441

A series of experiments was conducted by exposing negative film in brand new cameras of different make and model. The exposures were repeated at regular time intervals spread over a period of 2 years. The processed film negatives were studied under a stereomicroscope (10-40x) in transmitted illumination for the presence of the characterizing features on their four frame-edges. These features were then related to those present on the masking frame of the cameras by examining the latter in reflected light stereomicroscopy (10-40x). The purpose of the study was to determine the origin and permanence of the frame-edge-marks, and also the processes by which the marks may probably alter with time. The investigations have arrived at the following conclusions: (i) the edge-marks have originated principally from the imperfections received on the film mask from the manufacturing and also occasionally from the accumulated dirt, dust and fiber on the film mask over an extended time period. (ii) The edge profiles of the cameras have remained fixed over a considerable period of time so as to be of a valuable identification medium. (iii) The marks are found to be varying in nature even with those cameras manufactured at similar time. (iv) The influence of f/number and object distance has great effect in the recording of the frame-edge marks during exposure of the film. The above findings would serve as a useful addition to the technique of camera edge-mark comparisons.

Matched MeSH terms: Forensic Pathology
Correlation and assessment of coronary artery luminal stenosis: Post-mortem computed tomography angiogram versus histopathology

Chainchel Singh MK, Abdul Rashid SN, Abdul Hamid S, Mahmood MS, Feng SS, Mohd Nawawi H, et al.

Forensic Sci Int, 2020 Mar;308:110171.
PMID: 32032870 DOI: 10.1016/j.forsciint.2020.110171

BACKGROUND: Post-mortem Computed Tomography (PMCT) allows non-invasive or minimally invasive detection of findings that may or may not be visible during conventional autopsy, however, it does not allow the investigator to draw any conclusions regarding patency of the vessel's lumen. To address this deficiency, Post-mortem Computed Tomography Angiography (PMCTA) utilizing different contrast media and techniques have been introduced with various studies looking at the correlation between PMCTA, autopsy (gross) findings and coronary artery histology in diagnosing coronary artery disease.
OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study is to investigate the sensitivity and specificity of PMCTA in diagnosing coronary artery stenosis using water-based contrast media introduced though the vessels of the neck, compared to the gold standard of diagnosis i.e. gross and histological evaluation of the coronary artery.
METHOD: This was a cross sectional study of 158 arterial sections involving 37 subjects recruited from the National Institute of Forensic Medicine (IPFN), Hospital Kuala Lumpur (HKL). An unenhanced PMCT was performed followed by PMCTA using water-based contrast media introduced though the vessels of the neck. Coronary artery stenosis was determined using multiplanar reconstructionD while the degree of stenosis was determined by calculating the percentage of luminal diameter divided by the diameter of the vessel internal elastic.
RESULTS: The analysis of PMCTA and histopathology examinations revealed a sensitivity of 61.5%, specificity of 91.7%; positive predictive value (PPV) of 40.0% and negative predictive value (NPV) of 96.4%.
CONCLUSION: PMCTA utilizing water-based contrast introduced though the vessels of the neck yielded similar results as other methods and techniques of PMCTA. We would therefore conclude that PMCTA utilizing this technique could be used to assess the degree of calcification and the presence of significant stenosis.

Matched MeSH terms: Forensic Pathology
Lethal hemorrhage from a ureteric-arterial-enteric fistula diagnosed by postmortem CT angiography

Rashid SN, Bouwer H, O'Donnell C

Forensic Sci Med Pathol, 2012 Dec;8(4):430-5.
PMID: 22477359 DOI: 10.1007/s12024-012-9332-3

Fistula formation following pelvic surgery and radiotherapy, including ureteric-arterial fistulas (UAF), is well documented, however, ureteric-arterial-enteric fistula is extremely rare. Conventional autopsy is usually required for the definitive diagnosis of pelvic vascular fistulas although an accurate diagnosis can still be complicated and challenging. The role of post-mortem computed tomography (PMCT) as an adjunct to conventional autopsy is well documented in the literature. One of the limitations of PMCT is the diagnosis of vascular conditions. Post-mortem computed tomography angiography (PMCTA) is a recently introduced technique that can assist in detecting such pathology. We present a case of post-radiotherapy ureteric-arterial-enteric fistula presenting as massive rectal and vaginal bleeding diagnosed prior to autopsy on PMCTA. The role of PMCTA in the diagnosis of such a UAF has not previously been reported in the literature.

Matched MeSH terms: Forensic Pathology
Progressive gas formation in a deceased person during mortuary storage demonstrated on computed tomography

Singh MK, O'Donnell C, Woodford NW

Forensic Sci Med Pathol, 2009;5(3):236-42.
PMID: 19669956 DOI: 10.1007/s12024-009-9103-y

We report the case of an 82-year-old woman with a past history of diabetes mellitus who died following blunt head injury sustained in a fall resulting in an acute subdural hematoma. Serial postmortem CT scans of the chest and abdomen performed over a 3-day period demonstrated progressive intra-hepatic and intra-cardiac gas formation whilst the deceased was stored in a standard mortuary refrigerator at a nominated temperature of 4 degrees C. Measured mortuary refrigerator temperatures over a 7 day period showed statistically significant day to day variability in temperatures above 4 degrees C as well as variations in temperature depending on location within the refrigerator space. In the absence of other known factors associated with such gas formation, putrefaction seems the likely cause despite a lack of obvious external features. This phenomenon must therefore be taken into account when interpreting the presence of visceral gas on postmortem CT and relating such gas to the cause of death.

Matched MeSH terms: Forensic Pathology
Review of forensically important entomological specimens collected from human cadavers in Malaysia (2005-2010)

Kavitha R, Nazni WA, Tan TC, Lee HL, Azirun MS

J Forensic Leg Med, 2013 Jul;20(5):480-2.
PMID: 23756518 DOI: 10.1016/j.jflm.2013.03.007

Forensic entomological specimens collected from human decedents during crime scene investigations in Malaysia in the past 6 years (2005-2010) are reviewed. A total of 80 cases were recorded and 93 specimens were collected. From these specimens, 10 species of cyclorrphagic flies were identified, consisting of Chrysomya rufifacies (Macquart) -38 specimens (40.86%), Chrysomya megacephala (Fabricius) -36 specimens (38.70%), Chrysomya villeneuvi (Patton) -2 specimens (2.15%), Chrysomya nigripes (Aubertin) -2 specimens (2.15%), Chrysomya pinguis (Walker) -1 specimen (1.08%), Hermetia illucens (Linnaeus) -1 specimen (1.08%), Hemipyrellia liguriens (Wiedemann) -5 specimens (5.37%), Synthesiomyia nudiseta (Wulp) -1 specimen (1.08%), Megaselia scalaris (Loew)-1 specimen (1.08%) and Sarcophaga ruficornis (Fabricius) -4 specimens (4.30%). In two specimens (2.15%), the maggots were not identifiable. Ch. megacephala and Ch. rufifacies were the commonest species found in human decedents from three different ecological habitats. S. nudiseta is an uncommon species found only on human cadavers from indoors. A total of 75 cases (93.75%) had a single fly infestation and 5 cases (6.25%) had double fly infestation. In conclusion, although large numbers of fly species were found on human decedents, the predominant species are still those of Chrysomya.

Matched MeSH terms: Forensic Pathology
Gunshot wound in skeletonised human remains with partial adipocere formation

Mohd Nor F, Das S

J Forensic Leg Med, 2012 Jan;19(1):42-5.
PMID: 22152448 DOI: 10.1016/j.jflm.2011.07.008

We present a case of skeletonised human remains. In the present case report, a body was exhumed from the ground above a cemetery. On exhumation, the body was partially-skeletonised with adipocere formation on the upper part of the body. Autopsy of the body showed two bullets in the right thigh muscle and lumbar vertebrae between L4 and L5. Postmortem changes and destruction of soft tissue made it impossible to determine direction of fire through the body, even in a careful complete autopsy.

Matched MeSH terms: Forensic Pathology
Planned complex suicide: self-strangulation and fall from height

Nor FM, Das S

J Forensic Leg Med, 2011 Oct;18(7):336-9.
PMID: 21907941 DOI: 10.1016/j.jflm.2011.06.013

We hereby present a case of planned complex suicide. In this case study, we report a teen-aged girl who committed suicide by strangulating herself, and subsequently fell from the 13th floor of a housing apartment. The planned complex suicide was substantiated by the presence of a suicide note and a photograph captured in a mobile handset. To the best of our knowledge, it is the first case involving self-strangulation and fall from height, in which the photograph was stored in the handset. This is to further emphasize that objects like mobile handsets can be important in determining the cause and manner of death. The available evidence at the site of incident should be explored meticulously in order to arrive at a proper conclusion.

Matched MeSH terms: Forensic Pathology
Tyre-blast injuries

Murty OP

J Forensic Leg Med, 2009 May;16(4):224-7.
PMID: 19329081 DOI: 10.1016/j.jflm.2008.12.027

A teenager college student was fatally injured by burst tyre air pressure while waiting on a public bus stand to catch a bus to reach her college at Kuala Lumpur. She accidentally came near the wheel while boarding when tube and tyre got burst .The air pressure had blown the girl in the air and she subsequently fell on a rough surface. The iron-locking rim of the wheel acted as a missile and hit the girl. She died on her way to the hospital. A medico-legal autopsy was performed which showed extensive injuries in the cranial and chest cavity. Head had large scalp laceration with diffuse separation and gaping from in the vault region; skull bones were fractured. Chest cavity had extensive rib fractures, lacerated lungs and haemo-thorax while externally there was no obvious injury. It requires intensive care management and screening of the victims. Tyre-blast injuries are not so common. This case exposes the hazard due to burst tyre.

Matched MeSH terms: Forensic Pathology
Diabetic artefacts in forensic practice

Murty OP

J Forensic Leg Med, 2009 May;16(4):218-23.
PMID: 19329080 DOI: 10.1016/j.jflm.2008.07.010

A case is presented where confusion arose about skin lesions and whether they were diabetic or electrical in origin. The deceased was a known diabetic and hypertensive man. A middle-aged person in early fifties was found unconscious in the cell and judicial autopsy was performed. He was facing trial for capital punishment of being allegedly involved in drug trafficking and money laundering. He had few marks over his fingers and foot which were considered to be electric marks produced in electric torture. also had fracture of skull and ischemic necrosis of right side of cerebrum; and contrecoup lesions. Findings are documented with photographs of the lesions. The article also depicts photographs of the scene where the victim had fallen and sustained skull fracture.

Matched MeSH terms: Forensic Pathology
Lightning fatality with blast, flame, heat and current effects: a macroscopic and microscopic view

Murty OP

J Forensic Leg Med, 2009 Apr;16(3):162-7.
PMID: 19239970 DOI: 10.1016/j.jflm.2008.07.009

A case is presented of a fatal environmental accidental injuries of lightning. A pedestrian was struck by lightning. The macroscopic and microscopic lightning injuries are reviewed.

Matched MeSH terms: Forensic Pathology
Silent bony calcification of coronaries in an adolescent--an unusual case

Murty OP, Mun KS, Hussin H

J Forensic Leg Med, 2008 Jan;15(1):37-41.
PMID: 18309549

This is a case report of 16-year-old adolescent school boy who died due to unusual calcification of coronary arteries. He died while cycling with his friends. While cycling fast he fell. He was brought dead to hospital. At times unsuspected cardiac lesions cause sudden death during extraneous physical activities in healthy persons. Sudden death in adolescents is not very common. It is an unusual case as apparently healthy adolescent boy actively participating in sports had stony hard coronary arteries. The coronaries showed advanced calcification and early bone formation. The myocardial septum had extensive fibrosis. The pathogenesis and other possible similar conditions are also discussed in the report.

Matched MeSH terms: Forensic Pathology
Male genital ornaments: penis pearls

Murty OP

J Forensic Leg Med, 2008 Feb;15(2):96-100.
PMID: 18206825 DOI: 10.1016/j.jflm.2007.01.005

In this article, five cases with pearls in penile skin are discussed. These cases were viewed from multiple angles as number, colour, position of pearls, socio-economic status, occupation, sexual behaviour, and the background of the individuals. The number of pearls varied from one to five in these cases. The penile skin examination revealed old healed scar marks indicating that probably some had even more pearls. Three persons were directly or indirectly associated with drugs. One of the victim was HIV positive. Two of the cases were of homicide; one died in police custody; one died due to ischemic heart disease; and one had died in accident. The article also discusses the common beliefs behind this practice with review of the literature.

Matched MeSH terms: Forensic Pathology
Dramatic lightning injury with exit wound

Murty OP

J Forensic Leg Med, 2007 May;14(4):225-7.
PMID: 16914357

This is a case report of an environmental accident due to lightning where one school boy sustained current, blast, and flame effects of it. A bolt of lightning directly struck the pole of a football ground and the scatter struck the child. In addition to burn injuries, he showed an exit wound of lightning in left foot. The exit wound of lightning current is a very rare finding. The body of victim had flame and heat effect of atmospheric electricity on head and neck, face, and trunk. In this incidence of lightning other team mates of the victim were safe. The patient survived the attack.

Matched MeSH terms: Forensic Pathology
Hanging without knot in the noose

Kumar V

J Forensic Leg Med, 2007 Jan;14(1):35-8.
PMID: 16530454

Death by hanging is believed to be a painless method of committing suicide. In most cases the noose has a knot and on this basis only it can be labeled as atypical or typical hanging. A 35 year Chinese man committed suicide by hanging with a ligature material made of electric wire where there was no knot present on the noose.

Matched MeSH terms: Forensic Pathology
Bandaged penis

Murty OP, Mahinda HA

J Forensic Leg Med, 2007 Jul;14(5):301-3.
PMID: 16962816

This is a case of a male in his late 30s who died due to acute myocardial ischemia. His penis was bandaged. The penis was inflamed and had infected abrasions. The possible relevances of such an incidental finding and its contribution to sudden death is explored. The case report shows photographs of the bandage in situ and its components, inflammation of frenulum, injury to the shaft, and the generalized inflamed and mildly swollen penis. These changes were considered to be caused by bites. The micro-photographic findings in the case were of acute myocardial ischemia, pulmonary oedema, and fatty liver.

Matched MeSH terms: Forensic Pathology
Thoracic aortic dissection. Death may not always be due to rupture with haemorrhage. Unusual complications which can be missed at autopsy

Subramaniam K, Sheppard MN

J Forensic Leg Med, 2018 Feb;54:127-129.
PMID: 29413954 DOI: 10.1016/j.jflm.2018.01.005

OBJECTIVES: Aortic dissection (AD) can be a challenging diagnosis. At autopsy, the aorta may not be dilated and intimal tears may be missed or found without obvious rupture or haemorrhage. We report our experience of AD at a tertiary referral centre with review of 32 cases and discuss 2 unusual complications.
METHODS/RESULTS: 32 cases of which 12 females and 20 male and 18 out of 32 cases were aged below 40. All of the cases were examined macroscopically and microscopically. 30 out of 32 cases (93%) died due to rupture associated with the AD. Two unusual complications were proximal extension of AD into left coronary artery (CA) with intramural haematoma blocking the vessel and AD involving the ostium of the right CA resulting in avulsion of the right CA from the aorta. Mode of death in both these cases were myocardial ischemia. Sections of the aorta in all cases confirmed extensive cystic medial degeneration with disorganisation, fragmentation and disappearance of the elastin fibres with increased collagen and smooth muscle nuclear degeneration.
CONCLUSION: Pathologists should be thorough when examining the aorta, the aortic valve and root in AD. When a rupture site cannot be found it is important to look for unusual complications involving the CAs. Histology plays an important role to corroborate the cause of death.

Matched MeSH terms: Forensic Pathology
Growth of Chrysomya megacephala (Fabricius) maggots in a morgue cooler

Thevan K, Ahmad AH, Rawi CS, Singh B

J Forensic Sci, 2010 Nov;55(6):1656-8.
PMID: 20579228 DOI: 10.1111/j.1556-4029.2010.01485.x

In estimating the postmortem interval (PMI) using maggots obtained during autopsy, the forensic entomologist makes decisions regarding the effects of low-temperature storage of the body on the insects. In this case report, a corpse was found in an abandoned house in the residential area of Bukit Mertajam, Penang, Malaysia. The maggots were found to be alive inside the mouth of the deceased although the corpse had been in the morgue cooler for 12 days. The maggots were reared and identified as Chrysomya megacephala (Fabricius). The emerged adult flies were kept as a stock colony, and the duration of development under the indoor fluctuating temperature regime was studied. The total duration of developmental process of this species was 9.5 ± 0.5 days, and the PMI estimated was 3.2 ± 0.6 days. This case report demonstrates the survival of Ch. megacephala maggots for 12 days and their growth inside the morgue cooler.

Matched MeSH terms: Forensic Pathology

Filters

Please provide feedback to Administrator (afdal@afpm.org.my)

External Links