{"title":"Fatal Rupture of an Unusual Sinus of Valsalva Aneurysm With Inconclusive Genetic Findings: A Case Report, Literature Review, and Discussion on Modern Postmortem Genetic Testing.","authors":"Alexis M Snyder, David Gordon, Randy Tashjian","doi":"10.1097/PAF.0000000000001094","DOIUrl":"10.1097/PAF.0000000000001094","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>A Sinus of Valsalva aneurysm (SOVA) is a rare cardiac abnormality that involves the dilation or bulging of the aortic sinus(es). The symptoms of SOVA can be subtle and nonspecific, making the aneurysm difficult to detect before a possible rupture. When these aneurysms rupture, they are often fatal. In this case report, we present the sudden and unexpected death of a 36-year-old previously healthy male with no prior clinical history. Postmortem examination was notable for the unexpected finding of a multisinus SOVA with an atypical rupture into the pericardial sac resulting in a significant hemopericardium. An Arrhythmia and Cardiomyopathy and Aortopathy panel (Invitae Corp.) next-generation sequencing genetic testing was performed and revealed variants of unknown significance (VUS). This case report highlights an unusual presentation of SOVA in a young adult male and reviews the literature associated with this rare cardiac pathology entity. We also bring attention to the interpretation of ambiguous postmortem genetic testing results, including the importance of consent, cost, and access to genetic counseling. Postmortem genetic testing influences the living relatives of a decedent, and the autonomy of these individuals should be considered.</p>","PeriodicalId":55535,"journal":{"name":"American Journal of Forensic Medicine and Pathology","volume":" ","pages":"175-180"},"PeriodicalIF":0.8,"publicationDate":"2026-06-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145483774","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":"Group A Streptococcus: A Re-Emerging Pathogen? Two Autopsy Cases of Deadly Infections in Previously Undiagnosed Young Adult Males.","authors":"Kara Proctor, Amanda J Youmans","doi":"10.1097/PAF.0000000000001078","DOIUrl":"10.1097/PAF.0000000000001078","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Streptococcus pyogenes [group A strep (GAS)] is not a novel pathogen, but it is a newly emerging deadly threat. Recent data suggests that GAS, like many other contagions, saw a rise in infections in 2022, likely due to the withdrawal of COVID-19 precautions. GAS can present as a localized infection, namely tonsillopharyngitis, impetigo, cellulitis, and scarlet fever, or as an invasive infection such as meningitis, pneumonia, necrotizing fasciitis, and puerperal sepsis. Even though GAS tonsillopharyngitis is not typically fatal, it can be complicated by acute rheumatic fever if antibiotics are not administered promptly. Though the prevalence of acute rheumatic fever (ARF) and its sequelae, rheumatic heart disease (RHD), has declined over the last half-century in Europe and North America, ARF and RHD both remain some of the most significant contributors to cardiovascular morbidity and mortality among socially and economically disadvantaged populations globally. Here we present 2 cases of fatal invasive GAS infections in previously healthy young adult males, with diagnoses made postmortem due to a lack of clinical recognition prior to death.</p>","PeriodicalId":55535,"journal":{"name":"American Journal of Forensic Medicine and Pathology","volume":" ","pages":"188-194"},"PeriodicalIF":0.8,"publicationDate":"2026-06-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145806503","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}
Wilson Estid Rojas Escandón, Paula Andrea Acevedo Barrientos, Luz Eliana Giraldo Vásquez, María Victoria Parra Marín, Carlos Federico Molina Castaño
{"title":"Unusual Projectile in Craniocerebral Trauma: A Medico-Legal Challenge in the Context of Riot-Control Interventions.","authors":"Wilson Estid Rojas Escandón, Paula Andrea Acevedo Barrientos, Luz Eliana Giraldo Vásquez, María Victoria Parra Marín, Carlos Federico Molina Castaño","doi":"10.1097/PAF.0000000000001085","DOIUrl":"10.1097/PAF.0000000000001085","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>We report the case of a 15-year-old male who died instantly after being struck in the right occipitoparietal region by an unconventional projectile-a \"crystal ball\"-during a public protest in Medellín, Colombia. The projectile was fired from a 37 or 40 mm launcher modified with non-regulation ammunition. Autopsy findings, performed under the Minnesota Protocol, included cranial fracture, brain laceration, and subarachnoid hemorrhage. Although designed to be nonlethal, the improvised use of this kinetic ammunition converted it into a lethal weapon. This case highlights critical gaps in forensic analysis, legal oversight, and procedural protocols related to riot-control equipment and its misuse.</p>","PeriodicalId":55535,"journal":{"name":"American Journal of Forensic Medicine and Pathology","volume":" ","pages":"199-202"},"PeriodicalIF":0.8,"publicationDate":"2026-06-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147488675","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":"Type B Right Ventricular Thrombus With Postmortem Computed Tomography and Postmortem Examination Correlation.","authors":"Gurnoor Bhatia, Samantha Waugh, Rexson Tse","doi":"10.1097/PAF.0000000000001056","DOIUrl":"10.1097/PAF.0000000000001056","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":55535,"journal":{"name":"American Journal of Forensic Medicine and Pathology","volume":" ","pages":"e16-e18"},"PeriodicalIF":0.8,"publicationDate":"2026-06-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144303698","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":"Analysis of Protein Degradation Patterns as Biomarker to Estimate Time Since Death: Insights and Innovations.","authors":"Rakshita Gautam, Sachil Kumar","doi":"10.1097/PAF.0000000000001087","DOIUrl":"10.1097/PAF.0000000000001087","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Determining the postmortem interval (PMI) is vital in forensic investigations but remains challenging due to the limitations of traditional methods. Proteomics offers a promising alternative by analyzing time-dependent protein degradation patterns. The systematic review explores recent advances in protein-based PMI estimation using animal and human tissues. The objective is to evaluate current research trends, highlight key biomarkers, and assess the potential of proteomic approaches for improving PMI accuracy and reliability. A total of 40 studies were identified across PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, and ScienceDirect for publications from 2018 to 2024 using PRISMA guidelines, focusing on postmortem protein degradation for PMI estimation. Skeletal muscle was the most studied tissue, followed by bone, heart, and gingival tissues. Analytical techniques such as LC-MS and MALDI were widely employed, allowing detection and quantification of time-dependent proteomic changes. Despite promising results, variability in experimental conditions, tissue types, and lack of standardized protocols remain critical challenges. Proteomics offers a highly sensitive and specific approach for PMI estimation, enabling detailed molecular insight. While current evidence supports its forensic applicability, widespread adoption requires methodological standardization and integration of multimarker strategies. With refinement, proteomic profiling has the potential to transform PMI estimation into a robust, objective component of routine forensic investigations.</p>","PeriodicalId":55535,"journal":{"name":"American Journal of Forensic Medicine and Pathology","volume":" ","pages":"129-139"},"PeriodicalIF":0.8,"publicationDate":"2026-06-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145607575","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}
Gareth Lubbe, Barbara Stroh van Deventer, Ryan Blumenthal
{"title":"A Five-Year Review of Pesticide Deaths in Pretoria, South Africa.","authors":"Gareth Lubbe, Barbara Stroh van Deventer, Ryan Blumenthal","doi":"10.1097/PAF.0000000000001104","DOIUrl":"10.1097/PAF.0000000000001104","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Pesticide poisoning remains a major global health concern, with low and middle-income countries like South Africa bearing a disproportionate burden. This retrospective, cross-sectional study analyzed 173 suspected pesticide poisoning deaths investigated at the Pretoria Medico-Legal Laboratory from January 2016 to December 2020. Most decedents were male (69.9%), with a mean age of 31 years; 85% were between 18 and 65. Foreign nationals comprised 12% of cases, and deaths peaked during winter (31% from June to August). Over half were referred from health care facilities, and 95% died within 24 hours of admission. Common autopsy findings included black, pepper-like granules in the gastrointestinal tract (89%), pulmonary froth (63%), and fecal soiling (14%). Toxicology was requested in 170 cases, but 86% remained pending; among 24 completed reports, 71% were positive for Terbufos. Pseudocholinesterase was measured in 39 cases, with levels reduced in 98% (mean = 1493 U/L). Histology most often showed intra-alveolar edema (83%) and pulmonary venous congestion (60%). The findings suggest that a combination of gross autopsy features, depressed pseudocholinesterase levels, and supportive histology may reliably indicate pesticide poisoning, even in the absence of timely toxicology results. The recent ban on Terbufos provides a key opportunity for future public health evaluation.</p>","PeriodicalId":55535,"journal":{"name":"American Journal of Forensic Medicine and Pathology","volume":" ","pages":"117-120"},"PeriodicalIF":0.8,"publicationDate":"2026-06-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145822023","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":"Meckel Diverticulum as a Lead Point for Fatal Volvulus in an 84-Year-Old Man.","authors":"Hiro Ross, Jonathan Zuckerman","doi":"10.1097/PAF.0000000000001051","DOIUrl":"10.1097/PAF.0000000000001051","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":55535,"journal":{"name":"American Journal of Forensic Medicine and Pathology","volume":" ","pages":"e10-e11"},"PeriodicalIF":0.8,"publicationDate":"2026-06-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144236008","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}
Anna Laura Santunione, Jessika Camatti, Rossana Cecchi
{"title":"First Forensic Case of Fatal Salmonella typhimurium var. Copenhagen Gastroenteritis Diagnosed by Postmortem Microbiology.","authors":"Anna Laura Santunione, Jessika Camatti, Rossana Cecchi","doi":"10.1097/PAF.0000000000001107","DOIUrl":"10.1097/PAF.0000000000001107","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Postmortem microbiology (PMM) is increasingly recognized as a key tool in forensic medicine, particularly in cases lacking antemortem data or when autopsy and histology are nonspecific. Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium, including the Copenhagen variant, is a major cause of foodborne disease. While most cases are self-limiting, severe, sometimes fatal outcomes have been reported. A 32-year-old previously healthy man developed profuse vomiting and was found dead the following morning. Autopsy revealed abundant bilious gastric content and liquid stools, without evidence of trauma or intoxication. PMM yielded abundant pure growth of S. typhimurium var. Copenhagen from gastric content, while no viral, protozoal, or other bacterial pathogens were detected. Histology revealed cerebral and pulmonary edema and diffuse gastric mucosal inflammation. Toxicology was negative. The integration of autopsy, histology, toxicology, and PMM supported the attribution of death to acute infectious gastroenteritis due to S. typhimurium var. Copenhagen. A severe dehydration leading to electrolyte imbalance and fatal cardiac arrhythmia was considered the most plausible mechanism of death. The rapid fatal course was explained by the absence of fluid replacement or medical intervention. This report underscores the value of rigorous PMM protocols not only for cause-of-death determination but also for strengthening infectious disease surveillance.</p>","PeriodicalId":55535,"journal":{"name":"American Journal of Forensic Medicine and Pathology","volume":" ","pages":"195-198"},"PeriodicalIF":0.8,"publicationDate":"2026-06-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13148501/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145716597","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Gurnoor Bhatia, Jack Garland, Benjamin Ondruschka, Ugo Da Broi, Melissa Thompson, Rexson Tse
{"title":"Difference in Upper Limb Length Measurements Between Different Methods at External Postmortem Examination: Implication for Gunshot-Related Deaths.","authors":"Gurnoor Bhatia, Jack Garland, Benjamin Ondruschka, Ugo Da Broi, Melissa Thompson, Rexson Tse","doi":"10.1097/PAF.0000000000001110","DOIUrl":"10.1097/PAF.0000000000001110","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>In gunshot-related deaths, measuring upper limb lengths is commonly performed. At postmortem examination, the upper limbs are commonly flexed from rigor mortis, and, for convenience, lengths are sometimes measured flexed. However, it is unclear whether there is a difference between the upper limb lengths when measured flexed and extended and placed in the standard anatomic position. This prospective study compared the upper limb length in 30 adults when the upper limb was in rigor mortis and flexed to when rigor mortis was broken, upper limbs extended and placed in standard anatomic position. In the first 20 cases, the limbs were measured without passing through the same bony landmarks and showed that the upper limb length was significantly shorter (mean: 5 cm, maximum: 13 cm, P < 0.05) when rigor was broken, upper limb extended, and placed in standard anatomic position. However, in the remaining 10 cases, when the measurements were taken through same bony landmarks (acromioclavicular joint, lateral epicondyle, posterior wrist, and tip of distal index finger phalanges), no significant differences were demonstrated (mean: <0.5 cm, maximum: 3 cm, P > 0.3). The results of this study showed that the standard method (ie, following the same bony landmarks) is needed when measuring upper limb length, especially when it can be in nonanatomical positions at postmortem examination.</p>","PeriodicalId":55535,"journal":{"name":"American Journal of Forensic Medicine and Pathology","volume":" ","pages":"126-128"},"PeriodicalIF":0.8,"publicationDate":"2026-06-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145806430","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}
Heather MacLeod, Lisa Marie Castillo, Joyce deJong, Lisa Ann Gavin, Kara L Gawelek, Ellen Hostetler, Laura D Knight, Basma Klump, Elizabeth M McNally, Kathy Pinneri, Yingying Tang, R Gregory Webster, Alison Krywanczyk
{"title":"The National Association of Medical Examiners (NAME) Position Paper: Postmortem Genetic Testing in Forensic Pathology Cases.","authors":"Heather MacLeod, Lisa Marie Castillo, Joyce deJong, Lisa Ann Gavin, Kara L Gawelek, Ellen Hostetler, Laura D Knight, Basma Klump, Elizabeth M McNally, Kathy Pinneri, Yingying Tang, R Gregory Webster, Alison Krywanczyk","doi":"10.1097/PAF.0000000000001117","DOIUrl":"10.1097/PAF.0000000000001117","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Individuals who die suddenly and unexpectedly will often fall under the jurisdiction of a Medical Examiner or Coroner (MEC). Forensic pathologists may therefore be the first physicians to diagnose a genetic disease. Identifying these conditions at autopsy improves the accuracy of death certification and provides biological relatives the opportunity to seek diagnosis and intervention. Accessibility and diagnostic capabilities of postmortem genetic testing (PMGT) have rapidly expanded over the last decade since the previous National Association of Medical Examiners position paper on this topic. In this updated position paper, we review the different types of PMGT and the genetic conditions most likely to be encountered at forensic autopsy. Guidelines are also provided for the implementation of PMGT in an MEC office and for the reporting of results.</p>","PeriodicalId":55535,"journal":{"name":"American Journal of Forensic Medicine and Pathology","volume":" ","pages":"156-170"},"PeriodicalIF":0.8,"publicationDate":"2026-06-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146144692","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}