Forensic Science, Medicine and Pathology最新文献

{"title":"Post-mortem cardiac-specific troponin-I (cTnI) to determine the cause of non-traumatic hemopericardium.","authors":"Hans H de Boer, Ethan D Sutton, Maria Pricone, Sarah Parsons","doi":"10.1007/s12024-025-01043-2","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1007/s12024-025-01043-2","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Hemopericardium is regularly seen at autopsy and post-mortem imaging. Once traumatic cases and resuscitation artefact are excluded, hemopericardium is almost always due to either ruptured myocardial infarction or aortic dissection. In this study, we explored whether post-mortem cardiac-specific troponin I (cTnI) can be helpful when autopsy is not feasible and post-mortem imaging findings are inconclusive. Post-mortem cTnI levels were compared between 46 cases with hemopericardium due to ruptured myocardial infarction (RMI), 38 cases of hemopericardium due to aortic dissection (AoD), and 44 cases of natural deaths without hemopericardium (controls). The results showed significantly higher cTnI levels in the RMI group (median 5,821 ng/L) compared to AoD (median 273 ng/L) and controls (median 95 ng/L). Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis indicated that a cTnI threshold of 1,483 ng/L provided the best balance of sensitivity (87%) and specificity (90%) for distinguishing RMI from AoD. Levels of cTnI above 9688 ng/L were exclusively seen in RMI, whilst levels < 250 ng/L excluded this diagnosis. Calculated likelihood ratios demonstrated that higher levels of cTnI favour RMI over AoD, but substantial overlap between the cohorts limited the diagnostic value of intermediate cTnI values. Autopsy remains the gold standard for determining the cause of hemopericardium and cTnI testing is best reserved for cases in which an autopsy is not feasible.</p>","PeriodicalId":12449,"journal":{"name":"Forensic Science, Medicine and Pathology","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.5,"publicationDate":"2025-07-10","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144607960","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Relation between intravascular and intraorgan gas volume and quantity via postmortem CT and putrefaction.","authors":"Maiko Yoshida, Yohsuke Makino, Masatoshi Kojima, Fumiko Chiba, Go Inokuchi, Hirotaro Iwase","doi":"10.1007/s12024-025-01029-0","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1007/s12024-025-01029-0","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>This study assessed the relationship between intravascular and intraorgan gas volume and quantity via postmortem computed tomography (PMCT) and putrefaction. Consecutive medico-legal autopsy and PMCT data from January 2018 through December 2020 (n = 1,156) at our institution were collected. Cases of injury within deep subcutaneous lesions (n = 146), air embolism (n = 2), resuscitation (n = 369), or severe postmortem changes (n = 192) were initially excluded. However, of these 192 cases with severe postmortem changes, fifty-one cases were reincluded for intraorgan gas assessment because their target organs were maintained in the PMCT images for the gas assessment. A total of 498 cases were included for intraorgan gas assessment, whereas 447 cases were included for intravascular gas assessment. The putrefaction level is classified as follows: stage 1 (S1), no visual putrefaction; S2, partial putrefaction; and S3, total putrefaction. Intravascular gas was classified as follows: Grade 0 (G0); no gas, G1; maximum gas diameter within 10 mm, G2; larger than 10 mm; and G3, larger than half of the maximum anteroposterior diameter of the atrium or ventricle. Intraorgan gas was classified as follows: G0, no gas; G1, nodular gas; G2, dendritic gas; and G3, foamy gas. Intravascular and intraorgan gas in each organ increased significantly as putrefaction progressed (p < 0.01). G1 gas in the right heart appeared from S1 in approximately 20% of the cases, and there was no intravascular G2 or G3 gas in S1. Gas in the liver appeared from S1 in approximately 22% of the cases. The amount of G3 gas in each organ increased significantly in S3. PMCT revealed that intravascular and intraorgan gas accumulated as putrefaction progressed. The G2 and G3 gases in S1 were unusual.</p>","PeriodicalId":12449,"journal":{"name":"Forensic Science, Medicine and Pathology","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.5,"publicationDate":"2025-07-09","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144590829","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Heart donation after a fatal stab wound to the right ventricle: a case report.","authors":"Ricky Ng, Maliha Khara, Jayantha C Herath","doi":"10.1007/s12024-025-01037-0","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1007/s12024-025-01037-0","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Trauma victims are a significant part of the donor pool, though injuries to donor organs normally exclude them from their procurement. We present the case of a 37-year-old male with a stab wound to the chest, resulting in penetrating sharp force injury to the right ventricle of the heart. Despite the ultimately fatal injury, the heart was successfully repaired, and later donated, after brain death. Resuscitation and surgical intervention, along with the collaboration of medical and legal parties, enabled heart donation to occur without compromising the quality of forensic postmortem examination. Though it is an extraordinary circumstance, it challenges norms regarding organ donation, and suggests an expanded potential for organ donation as a goal of timely medical intervention in addition to the survival of the patient, including for traumatically injured organs. This is the first reported case in which trauma to the heart, responsible for the death of the patient, preceded its donation.</p>","PeriodicalId":12449,"journal":{"name":"Forensic Science, Medicine and Pathology","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.5,"publicationDate":"2025-07-07","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144575221","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Stillbirth with a false-positive lung float test result - an unusual case report.","authors":"E Hoffmann, L Malolepszy, C Hochscheid, R Dettmeyer, M Fritzenwanker","doi":"10.1007/s12024-025-01035-2","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1007/s12024-025-01035-2","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>A male newborn found lifeless raised the question of whether he had lived after birth. The float sample test results of both lungs and the gastrointestinal tract were positive. Microbiological examinations detected the Fusobacterium gonidiaformans, an obligate anaerobic gas-forming germ, in the lung tissue and in the heart blood, which caused the float test results to be 'false-positive'. As far as can be seen, a comparable case has not yet been reported in forensic literature.</p>","PeriodicalId":12449,"journal":{"name":"Forensic Science, Medicine and Pathology","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.5,"publicationDate":"2025-07-02","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144539787","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Comment on: \"Increasing the performance of the bullet core by changing the geometry\".","authors":"Sunbal Sardar, Noaman Khan, Abdur Rehman","doi":"10.1007/s12024-025-01040-5","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1007/s12024-025-01040-5","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":12449,"journal":{"name":"Forensic Science, Medicine and Pathology","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.5,"publicationDate":"2025-07-02","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144539786","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Temporal analysis of inorganic and organic gunshot residue (GSR): implications for forensic viability.","authors":"Sreelakshmi Krishna, Pooja Ahuja","doi":"10.1007/s12024-025-01038-z","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1007/s12024-025-01038-z","url":null,"abstract":"&lt;p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Gunshot residue (GSR) serves as crucial trace evidence in firearm-related investigations, aiding in reconstructing events and establishing shooter involvement. Despite extensive research on GSR, limited information exists regarding the long-term stability, degradation, and preservation of its components particularly under real-world forensic laboratory conditions. This lack of foundational knowledge hinders the reliability of GSR analysis, especially when delays occur between evidence collection and analysis. In India, the absence of standardized storage protocols and the use of varied storage media-such as zip-lock bags, Eppendorf tubes, glass vials, polypropylene boxes, and Falcon tubes raise concerns about the chemical and physical stability of both organic (OGSR) and inorganic (IGSR) GSR components. These diverse storage practices, often based on material availability rather than scientific validation, may impact on the evidentiary integrity of GSR samples during routine casework. Additionally, due to operational challenges such as limited manpower and case backlogs, forensic laboratories frequently experience delays ranging from hours to weeks between the collection and analysis of GSR samples. These time lapses can influence the composition of GSR, yet few systematic studies have evaluated the degradation patterns over extended time intervals. To address this gap, the current study investigates the stability of OGSR and IGSR under realistic storage and analytical delay conditions. The objective was to simulate common forensic laboratory scenarios and assess whether time and storage variables influence GSR composition. GSR samples were stored under uncontrolled ambient conditions, and temperature and humidity were monitored throughout the study (average 28 ± 3 °C; RH 45 ± 3%). Inter-week analyses were conducted on day 1, day 15, day 30, day 45 and day 60 using Raman Spectroscopy for OGSR and Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS) for IGSR. The results demonstrated that both OGSR and IGSR particles remained chemically stable over time, with no significant variation in their spectral or elemental profiles across all time intervals and storage conditions. Minor fluctuations observed in IGSR concentrations were attributed to factors such as non-uniform particle distribution or fragmentation during discharge, which have been previously reported and are not indicative of chemical degradation. These inconsistencies were found to have negligible impact on overall composition and do not compromise evidentiary value. This study highlights the robustness of GSR particles under variable storage conditions and delayed analysis scenarios. The findings underscore the importance of establishing standardized protocols for GSR evidence handling to ensure consistent, reliable forensic outcomes. The insights gained provide a foundational framework for forensic agencies to develop guidelines on the storage, preservation, and analysis of OGSR","PeriodicalId":12449,"journal":{"name":"Forensic Science, Medicine and Pathology","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.5,"publicationDate":"2025-06-27","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144505299","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Pars basilaris size to estimate fetal and young infant age using forensic post mortem CT imaging.","authors":"Wolf Schweitzer, Inga Siebke, Mattias Kettner, Stephan Bolliger, Carlo Tappero, Garyfalia Ampanozi","doi":"10.1007/s12024-025-01039-y","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1007/s12024-025-01039-y","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Accurate determination of fetal or neonatal age is vital in forensic and medicolegal death investigations. The pars basilaris of the occipital bone, one of the earliest and densest ossification centers, is less susceptible to taphonomic alteration than other measurements, and exhibits predictable growth patterns. Utilizing post mortem computed tomography (PMCT), measurements of the pars basilaris - specifically its maximum length (ML) and maximum width (MW) - can be applied to validated regression models to estimate age. We retrospectively reviewed all fetal and stillbirth/neonate PMCT cases from our institution over the past eight years and identified nine cases with known or previously estimated ages. ML and MW of the pars basilaris were measured in thin maximum intensity projection reconstructions. Age predictions and 95% confidence intervals were calculated using published regression equations based separately on ML and MW. We also derived a combined model to yield a single age estimate with its corresponding confidence interval. In all nine cases, the predicted age intervals included the known or previously estimated age. The results indicate that pars basilaris biometry reliably estimates age using PMCT. Cases involving maternal conditions-such as diabetes, preeclampsia, and alcohol exposure-showed deviations from average pars basilaris growth but remained within statistical confidence limits. Pars basilaris biometry via standard PMCT protocols provides a straightforward method to approach fetal and early infant age estimation in forensic contexts. Although maternal and pathological factors can influence bone size, the combined ML/MW model is accurate within its 95% confidence bounds. Further research should validate these findings across diverse populations and investigate integration with additional growth markers.</p>","PeriodicalId":12449,"journal":{"name":"Forensic Science, Medicine and Pathology","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.5,"publicationDate":"2025-06-27","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144505298","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Usefulness of postmortem computed tomography when neonatal death occurred after fetoscopic endotracheal occlusion- case report.","authors":"Rafał Skowronek, Jacek Zamłyński, Aleksandra Borowska-Solonynko","doi":"10.1007/s12024-025-01036-1","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1007/s12024-025-01036-1","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Congenital diaphragmatic hernia is associated with high risk of neonatal death. It is observed in about 1 in 3,000 live births. Fetoscopic tracheal occlusion procedure is a therapeutic option with survival rate 46.4%. Our aim was analysis of the suitability of postmortem computed tomography in the case of neonatal death occurred after fetoscopic endotracheal occlusion performed due to the severe isolated left-sided congenital diaphragmatic hernia. Postmortem computed tomography can be helpful in such cases because it allows for an objective assessment of whether the procedures used after the birth of the newborn enabled effective lung ventilation. Our case was the first use of postmortem computed tomography in neonatal death after fetoscopic endotracheal occlusion worldwide.</p>","PeriodicalId":12449,"journal":{"name":"Forensic Science, Medicine and Pathology","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.5,"publicationDate":"2025-06-23","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144474536","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Electrical effect on probe wounds after long time exposure with a new generation conducted electrical weapon (Taser T10®) on human volunteers.","authors":"S N Kunz, J D Ho, D M Dawes, J R Miner","doi":"10.1007/s12024-025-01025-4","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s12024-025-01025-4","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Conducted electrical weapons (CEWs) are widely employed by law enforcement agencies globally to manage and restrain potentially violent individuals. As newer generations of these weapons are introduced, it is crucial to assess their effectiveness and safety profiles. The TASER 10 (T10) represents a significant advancement, utilizing an independently targeted probe system with floating polarities, enabling any two probes to establish a connection. This design enhances its versatility and operational effectiveness compared to earlier models. In scenarios requiring use over greater distances- such as deployment via drones-prolonged electrical exposure may be necessary to bridge the gap to the subject and secure control of the situation. The extended exposure duration associated with these probes may result in altered wound mechanisms and morphological features. This study examines the morphological wound characteristics of 20-30 s of electrical exposure delivered through hand-placed dart electrodes of the T10 CEW. To our knowledge, this represents the first human study to investigate potential electrical injuries resulting from extended-duration exposure with the T10 CEW.</p>","PeriodicalId":12449,"journal":{"name":"Forensic Science, Medicine and Pathology","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.5,"publicationDate":"2025-06-21","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144339998","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"A rare case of postmortem diagnosis of penetrating atherosclerotic ulcer rupture in the ascending aorta.","authors":"Lorenzo Tornese, Vincenzo Cianci, Daniela Sapienza, Giovanni Bartoloni, Patrizia Gualniera, Alessio Asmundo, Cristina Mondello","doi":"10.1007/s12024-025-01034-3","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s12024-025-01034-3","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>A 74-year-old man underwent both a mitral valve replacement and ascending aorta replacement because of the presence of a critical aneurysm. Postoperatory CT angiography revealed both a periprosthetic hematoma of about 40 mm located at the distal prosthetic graft and a modest effusion at the base of the pericardium. 12 days after the surgery the patient suddenly died. Autopsy showed a cardiac tamponade due to ascending aorta rupture secondary to penetrating atherosclerotic ulcer (PAU). This paper highlights the key gross and microscopic findings of this rare lesion, emphasizing its forensic pathology relevance.</p>","PeriodicalId":12449,"journal":{"name":"Forensic Science, Medicine and Pathology","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.5,"publicationDate":"2025-06-20","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144332769","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}