IIJFMT 2(1) 2004
Journal Scan
Pathologic features of suicidal complete decapitations
Tsokos M, Turk EE, Uchigasaki S, Puschel K
Forensic Sci International 2004; 139:95-102
ABSTRACT
Despite high suicide rates all over the world, complete decapitation as a consequence of violent suicide methods is exceptionally rare and there is always a potential for confusion with homicide as well as with body dismemberment or mutilation. We analyzed the phenomenology and morphology of 10 cases (sex male, four female; individual age 18-60 years) of suicidal complete decapitation that were subjected to medico-legal autopsies at the Institute of Legal Medicine, University of Hamburg, Germany, between 1995 and 2002. All decapitation occurred while the person was alive as proven by sings of vitality. Blood alcohol levels were positive in five cases and ranged between 28 and 202 mg/dl. The applied methods of suicide were running over by a train in eight cases and hanging in two cases. In suicidal hanging resulting in complete decapitation the wound margins were clear cut with an adjacent sharply demarcated circumferential band like abrasion zone showing a homogenous width, the latter determined by the thickness of the rope. In decapitations due to railway interference a broad spectrum of pathologic alterations such as the co-existence of irregular, ragged and sharp edged wound margins, vascular and nervous pathways forming bridges in the depth of the wound and bruising could be observed. In such cases skin abrasion zones were generally not circumferential and showed a heterogeneous width. Concerning hanging related complete decapitations, our findings are well in line with those of other authors, namely that heavy body weight of the suicidal, fall from a great height and in some cases inelastic and/or rope material used for the noose are the determining factors decisive for complete decapitation.
Amount of Postmortem Bleeding - An Experimental Autopsy Study
Nikolic S, Atanazijevis T, Micic J, Djokic V, Babic D
Am j Forensic Med Pathol 2002; 25:20-22.
ABSTRACT
An experimental autopsy study was performed on 64 cases (55 male, 9 female: average age 51.5 ± 16.2 years) of sudden natural (38 cases) and asphyxic death (26 cases). The study objective was the amount of postmortem bleeding from postmortem cutting of the thoracic aorta, related to the time since death. The amount of postmortem bleeding ranged from 100 to 1,300 cm³, 440.6 to 268.1 cm³ on average. The time since death up to the autopsy time ranged from 4 to 72 hours, 19.4 ± 12.9 in average. A statistically significant correlation between the amount of postmortem bleeding and postmortem time interval was stated: Person correlation test value r = -0.461 (P=0.000): the sorter the time interval, the larger the amount of bleeding. The formula of linear regression was estimated according to this correlation: amount of postmortem bleeding (cm³) = - 9.571 x time since death (h) + 626.659. This proves that the amount of postmortem bleeding (e.g., from aortic blunt rupture) could be about 620 cm³.
Di Nunno N, Lombardo S, Costantinides F, Di Nunno C
Am J Forensic Med Pathol 2004; 25:14-19.
ABSTRACT
IThe authors illustrate the anatomic interest of the hyoid larynx complex in the differential diagnosis of traumatic lesions, purely anatomic anomalies, and lesions resulting from natural causes. Forty larynges from corpses undergoing autopsy at the Institute of Legal Medicine of the University of Trieste were studied during the period May 1996 to May 2001. The larynges were excised and examined through radiographic magnification with dedicated mammography magnification with dedicated mammographic equipment. Triticeous cartilages were evidence in 12 (30%), they were bilateral in 7(17.5%) and monolateral in 5(12%). These cartilages were more frequent in men (8 out of 26; 31%) than in women, 4 out of 14(28.5%).
Total fusion of the body of the hyoid bone with the greater horns was revealed in 10(25%), partial fusion in 4 (10%), and evident articular rima between the body and the grater horns of the hyoid bone in 14(35%).
The lesser horns of the hyoid bone were symmetrical in 29 (72.5%), asymmetric in 11(27.5%), absent in 1(2.5%). While confirming the validity of the radiographic method used, we conclude that great care should be taken when diagnosing traumatic lesions of the hyoid-larynx complex. This diagnosis is often difficult to establish owing to the considerable frequency of anatomic anomalies of the complex.