An autopsy based study of corrosive acid poisoning and its medico-legal aspects – A case report

Abstract

The study is of ingestion of corrosive substances and its medico-legal aspects. Corrosive refers to any chemicals (strong acids and alkalis) that dissolve and destroy the structure of an object. Corrosives corrode and damage the tissue on contact. In dilute form it acts as an irritant. Strong acid reacts violently with water and generates heat and fire. In our study, corrosive acid ingestion and its deteriorating & devastating effects ranging from signs, symptoms and internal damage leading to death have been analyzed. Here we discuss a case of an adolescent girl who ingested a corrosive substance at home, was rushed to hospital in a gasping stage where resuscitated treated and finally succumbed to death. Correlating the autopsy findings, medical treatment records and the scene of incidence was crucial to determine medico-legal aspects.