{"title":"Semaglutide and GLP-1 Agonists: Forensic and Medicolegal Implications.","authors":"Michael Fagiola","doi":"10.1097/PAF.0000000000001044","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1097/PAF.0000000000001044","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Abstract: </strong>This article is intended as a brief review on the glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) agonist Semaglutide (Ozempic®, Rybelsus®, Wegovy®), an antidiabetic medication that has gained significant popularity in the United States for its role in long-term weight-loss management. While current research on GLP-1 agonists, including semaglutide, focuses primarily on their therapeutic effects in managing diabetes and obesity, information regarding their forensic and medicolegal significance is limited. Concerns related to GLP-1 agonists may arise due to their pharmacokinetics, potential drug-drug interactions, and side effects including hypoglycemia, which can be relevant in cases involving human performance, such as impaired driving, or in unexpected fatalities. Semaglutide additionally presents analytical challenges due to its large, highly charged molecular structure and potentially limited stability in whole blood, which may complicate its detection and quantification in forensic laboratories using common instrumentation. The development of robust analytical methods will be essential to account for its pharmacological effects and to address its potential role in intoxications or unexplained fatalities, especially in the context of misuse or off-label use for weight loss. A strong case can be made for the necessity of further research into the detection, quantification, and interpretation of semaglutide concentrations in forensic toxicology casework.</p>","PeriodicalId":55535,"journal":{"name":"American Journal of Forensic Medicine and Pathology","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.0,"publicationDate":"2025-04-23","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143992371","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}
Madison L Esposito, Katlin T Wilson, Jamie E Kallan
{"title":"Building Partnerships With Tribal Nations: A Call for Cultural Sensitivity in Forensic Examinations.","authors":"Madison L Esposito, Katlin T Wilson, Jamie E Kallan","doi":"10.1097/PAF.0000000000001046","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1097/PAF.0000000000001046","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":55535,"journal":{"name":"American Journal of Forensic Medicine and Pathology","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.0,"publicationDate":"2025-04-18","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143998154","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":"Announcing Video Abstracts.","authors":"D Kimberley Molina","doi":"10.1097/PAF.0000000000001047","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1097/PAF.0000000000001047","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":55535,"journal":{"name":"American Journal of Forensic Medicine and Pathology","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.0,"publicationDate":"2025-04-15","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144053341","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}
Jack Garland, Benjamin Ondruschka, Ugo Da Broi, Cristian Palmiere, Rexson Tse
{"title":"Difference in Central and Peripheral Total Tryptase Concentration/Level in Fatal Anaphylaxis: A Case Report.","authors":"Jack Garland, Benjamin Ondruschka, Ugo Da Broi, Cristian Palmiere, Rexson Tse","doi":"10.1097/PAF.0000000000001048","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1097/PAF.0000000000001048","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Abstract: </strong>Postmortem tryptase is an adjunct test to assist in diagnosing fatal anaphylaxis. A series of recent studies have shown that postmortem total tryptase concentrations/levels varied between central and peripheral blood samples in normal population. However, it is unclear whether it also varies between central and peripheral blood samples in fatal anaphylaxis. We document a death from anaphylaxis triggered by radiocontrast. Postmortem total tryptase concentrations/levels in arterial and venous central blood collected from the aorta and inferior vena cava were >200 μL/L, whereas arterial and venous peripheral blood collected from femoral artery and veins were ~110 μg/L. This case report provides evidence that postmortem total tryptase concentrations/levels also vary in central and peripheral blood samples in anaphylactic deaths.</p>","PeriodicalId":55535,"journal":{"name":"American Journal of Forensic Medicine and Pathology","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.0,"publicationDate":"2025-04-15","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144058755","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":"Incidental Autopsy Finding of Intraosseous Dermoid Cyst With Craniosynostosis: A Case Report.","authors":"Sarah Waszyn, Michael Belenky","doi":"10.1097/PAF.0000000000001037","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1097/PAF.0000000000001037","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Abstract: </strong>Dermoid cysts are benign developmental anomalies that are typically cutaneous and occur along lines of embryonic closure. Rarely, intraosseous dermoid cysts can occur in the pediatric population. This report presents an incidental finding of an intraosseous dermoid cyst found during autopsy in the frontal bone of a 3-year-old female patient who died by drowning. The cyst measured 1.2 × 0.7 × 0.6 cm and was located along the sagittal suture. Histopathologic examination of the cyst revealed keratinized stratified squamous epithelium alongside sebaceous glands and hair follicles, confirming the diagnosis of dermoid cyst. Premature closure of all cranial sutures, or craniosynostosis, was also noted. This unique combination of findings may indicate an etiological connection, which may warrant further research. Furthermore, this report provides rare photographs while most intraosseous dermoid cysts are only captured via radiography. From a forensic pathology perspective, incidental findings like these can provide critical insights into congenital anomalies that may impact the family, future research, or medicolegal conclusions, highlighting the broader relevance of thorough autopsies. Moreover, incidental findings such as this case contribute to the growing need for forensic guidelines on how to manage and document unexpected discoveries during investigations.</p>","PeriodicalId":55535,"journal":{"name":"American Journal of Forensic Medicine and Pathology","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.0,"publicationDate":"2025-03-31","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144065302","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":"Skeletonization of Human Remains by Amazonian Ichthyofauna in Less Than 24 Hours.","authors":"Gisleine Medrado, Daniela Nóbrega, Priscila Kitagawa, Sanmya Leite, Ademir Franco","doi":"10.1097/PAF.0000000000001042","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1097/PAF.0000000000001042","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Abstract: </strong>Deaths in water present unique challenges for forensic experts, particularly the impact of ichthyofauna on human remains. Species of necrophagous-carnivorous fish can rapidly consume bodies in shoals, obliterating crucial evidence. As a result, determining the cause of death and identifying the deceased become more difficult. This study reports a case of a human body skeletonized in less than 24 hours by ichthyofauna following an accidental fall into the Amazon River. Only cartilaginous structures of the nose and ears, the male genitalia, and the feet and hands of the individual remained. The latter exhibited punch-out-shaped wounds. While the cause of death remained inconclusive, identification was achieved through fingerprint analysis. Forensic experts must recognize the role of necrophagous ichthyofauna to prevent misinterpretation of wounds, facilitate accurate cause-of-death investigations, and expedite human identification.</p>","PeriodicalId":55535,"journal":{"name":"American Journal of Forensic Medicine and Pathology","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.0,"publicationDate":"2025-03-26","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143702168","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}
Andrew Johnson, Kathryn Manocchia, Marisa Jacob-Leonce
{"title":"Getting Crunchy With COVID-19: A Unique Case of Catastrophic Multiorgan Calciphylaxis.","authors":"Andrew Johnson, Kathryn Manocchia, Marisa Jacob-Leonce","doi":"10.1097/PAF.0000000000001035","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1097/PAF.0000000000001035","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Abstract: </strong>Calciphylaxis, or calcific uremic arteriolopathy, is a rare condition with a poorly understood pathophysiology. It is often associated with diseases that cause abnormalities in calcium metabolism, such as end-stage renal disease (ESRD) and hyperparathyroidism. While it most often affects the skin, involvement of extracutaneous organs, called systemic calciphylaxis, has been reported.Interestingly, other risk factors have now been identified with the development of calciphylaxis including recent infections, corticosteroid or warfarin use as well as diabetes mellitus, autoimmune diseases, and protein C or S deficiency.We present a 48-year-old female patient with a history of human immunodeficiency virus infection, and recent hospitalizations for acute pancreatitis and COVID-19 who presents with nonspecific abdominal pain, weakness, and mild erythematous skin lesions. Subsequently, the patient developed acute vision loss, severe hypertension, and acute kidney injury with significantly worsening skin lesions. Ultimately, the patient deteriorated rapidly and succumbed. At autopsy, cutaneous calciphylaxis was confirmed, affecting over 50% of body surface area as well as widespread organ involvement by visceral calciphylaxis, most strikingly in the heart and lungs. This case highlights the importance of considering COVID-19 and other nonuremic risk factors as being a trigger for developing catastrophic systemic calciphylaxis.</p>","PeriodicalId":55535,"journal":{"name":"American Journal of Forensic Medicine and Pathology","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.0,"publicationDate":"2025-03-10","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143588358","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}
Vinod Khanijow, Kate O'Connor, Rexson Tse, Sinead McCarthy
{"title":"Postmortem Computed Tomography Features of Necrotizing Epiglottis.","authors":"Vinod Khanijow, Kate O'Connor, Rexson Tse, Sinead McCarthy","doi":"10.1097/PAF.0000000000001031","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1097/PAF.0000000000001031","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":55535,"journal":{"name":"American Journal of Forensic Medicine and Pathology","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.0,"publicationDate":"2025-03-04","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143544138","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}
Jeremy W S Hunter, Corinna Van Den Heuvel, Lilli Stephenson, Ian F Musgrave, Roger W Byard
{"title":"Is Obesity a Factor in Lethal Opioid Toxicity?","authors":"Jeremy W S Hunter, Corinna Van Den Heuvel, Lilli Stephenson, Ian F Musgrave, Roger W Byard","doi":"10.1097/PAF.0000000000001029","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1097/PAF.0000000000001029","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Abstract: </strong>Both obesity and opioid abuse are increasing in numbers globally. As these entities may be associated with significant respiratory compromise, it was hypothesized that synergism may occur and that as a result of this obese individuals may be more sensitive to the effects of opiates, that is, that deaths may occur at lower blood levels. To investigate this possibility, case files at Forensic Science SA, Adelaide Australia, were reviewed for all cases that occurred between 2000 and 2019 where deaths had been attributed to heroin or morphine toxicity. There were 259 cases (66 females, 193 males; age range: 18-91; average: 41.5). The average body mass index (BMI) was 26.8 (females, 26.1; males, 27.0). The total number of obese (BMI ≥ 30 < 40) decedents was 50, and the total number of morbidly obese (BMI ≥ 40) decedents was 17. No significant association was found in the obese or morbidly obese between BMI and postmortem drug levels of <0.01, ≥0.1 < 0.3, ≥0.3, <0.4, or ≥0.4 mg/L (P = 0.30, Fisher exact test). The lack of association between fatal postmortem opiate levels and BMI suggests that the negative respiratory effects of opioids and a high BMI may in some way be compensated for by as yet unidentified metabolic/pharmacokinetic factors in obesity.</p>","PeriodicalId":55535,"journal":{"name":"American Journal of Forensic Medicine and Pathology","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.0,"publicationDate":"2025-03-04","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143543935","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}