Anatomical distribution and autopsy features of gunshot injuries to support the manner of death

2021 ◽  
Vol 79 ◽  
pp. 102135
Author(s):  
Lorenzo Gitto ◽  
Ponni Arunkumar ◽  
Adrienne Segovia ◽  
James A. Filkins ◽  
Margaret K. Formica ◽  
...  
2019 ◽  
Vol 87 (4) ◽  
pp. 204-210
Author(s):  
Isabella Aquila ◽  
Francesco Sicilia ◽  
Petrantomo Ricci ◽  
Matteo Antonio Sacco ◽  
Maria Manno ◽  
...  

Post-mortem multi-slice computed tomography (MSCT) is a new approach in forensic pathology for gunshot injuries. This study determines the role of MSCT in the characterisation of single gunshot injuries. We report three cases. In the first case, an 80-year-old man was found dead in his bedroom with a gun. External examination showed devastating head injuries. In the second case, an 81-year-old man was found dead in his apartment, without a gun. External examination showed gunshot injuries. In the third case, a 56-year-old man was found dead on a road. MSCT and autopsy were performed in all these cases. MSCT not only allowed the determination of entrance and exit wounds but also showed some artefacts. In conclusion, radiology is fundamental for the reconstruction of gunshot injuries, and the manner of death can only be ascertained by autopsy.


Author(s):  
Luca Tomassini ◽  
Daniele Paolini ◽  
Anna Maria Manta ◽  
Edoardo Bottoni ◽  
Costantino Ciallella

AbstractRust stains are marks left by firearms in case of prolonged contact with the cutaneous surfaces. These peculiar signs along with other well-documented findings can guide the medical examiner in the determination of the manner of death, especially in case of firearm suicide. This paper presents the case of a 33-year-old male soldier who committed suicide by using a short-barreled weapon, whose trigger remained in contact with the first finger of his right hand, leading to the formation of a rust stain that perfectly reproduced its design. The forensic examination of the scene, the external cadaveric inspection, and the autopsy are described. For the evaluation of the histological findings typical of rust spots, the authors decided to replicate the phenomenon in an experimental setting using porcine skin. In order to provide an exhaustive overview on the formation and the features of rust stains, a review of the forensic literature concerning this rare mark was performed.


2021 ◽  
Vol 20 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Ishrat Islam ◽  
Annmarie Nelson ◽  
Mirella Longo ◽  
Anthony Byrne

Abstract Background Understanding public attitudes towards death and dying is important to inform public policies around End of Life Care (EoLC). We studied the public attitudes towards death and dying in Wales. Methods An online survey was conducted in 2018. Social media and the HealthWiseWales platform were used to recruit participants. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics and thematic analysis. Results 2,210 people participated. Loss of independence (84%), manner of death, and leaving their beloved behind were the biggest fears around death and dying. In terms of EoLC, participants sought timely access to care (84%) and being surrounded by loved ones (62%). Being at home was less of a priority (24%). Only 50% were familiar with Advance Care Planning (ACP). A lack of standard procedures as well as of support for the execution of plans and the ability to revisit those plans hindered uptake. The taboo around death conversations, the lack of opportunities and skills to initiate discussion, and personal fear and discomfort inhibited talking about death and dying. 72% felt that we do not talk enough about death and dying and advocated normalising talking by demystifying death with a positive approach. Health professionals could initiate and support this conversation, but this depended on communication skills and manageable workload pressure. Participants encouraged a public health approach and endorsed the use of: a) social media and other public platforms, b) formal education, c) formal and legal actions, and d) signposting and access to information. Conclusions People are ready to talk about death and dying and COVID-19 has increased awareness. A combination of top-down and bottom-up initiatives across levels and settings can increase awareness, knowledge, and service-utilisation-drivers to support health professionals and people towards shared decisions which align with people’s end of life wishes and preferences.


2021 ◽  
pp. 002581722110183
Author(s):  
Ashwini Kumar ◽  
Harvinder Singh Chhabra ◽  
Rajiv Joshi ◽  
Ravdeep Singh

Artefacts are postmortem findings that often complicate an investigation into death. The police and relatives may be bewildered by them, and forensic pathologists need to be well versed with the intricacies that they can pose. We studied postmortem records over a year and report three cases of ant bite artefacts which led the relatives and the police to suspect the manner of death. A thorough postmortem examination endorsed the findings as ant bite artefacts and so correctly advised the police investigation.


2020 ◽  
Vol 6 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Martin Gromniak ◽  
Maximilian Neidhardt ◽  
Axel Heinemann ◽  
Klaus Püschel ◽  
Alexander Schlaefer

AbstractForensic autopsies include a thorough examination of the corpse to detect the source or alleged manner of death as well as to estimate the time since death. However, a full autopsy may be not feasible due to limited time, cost or ethical objections by relatives. Hence, we propose an automated minimal invasive needle biopsy system with a robotic arm, which does not require any online calibrations during a procedure. The proposed system can be easily integrated into the workflow of a forensic biopsy since the robot can be flexibly positioned relative to the corpse. With our proposed system, we performed needle insertions into wax phantoms and livers of two corpses and achieved an accuracy of 4.34 ± 1.27 mm and 10.81 ± 4.44 mm respectively.


Hand ◽  
2021 ◽  
pp. 155894472199801
Author(s):  
Navapong Anantavorasakul ◽  
Ritsaart F. Westenberg ◽  
Arman T. Serebrakian ◽  
Meryam Zamri ◽  
Neal C. Chen ◽  
...  

Background The objectives of this study are to: (1) describe the demographics, injury patterns, and treatment characteristics of patients who sustained a gunshot injury (GSI) of the hand; and (2) examine the utilization of healthcare resources in patients with a GSI of the hand. Methods We retrospectively identified 148 adult patients who were treated for a GSI of the hand between January 2000 to December 2017 using multiple International Classification of Diseases Ninth and Tenth Edition (ICD-9 and ICD-10) codes. We used bivariate and multivariable analysis to identify which factors are associated with unplanned reoperation, length of hospitalization, and number of operations. Results Multivariable logistic regression showed that fracture severity was associated with unplanned reoperation. Multivariable linear regression showed that fracture severity is associated with a higher number of hand operations after a GSI of the hand, and that a retained bullet (fragment) and patients having gunshot injuries in other regions than the hand had a longer length of hospitalization. Seventy (47%) patients had sensory or motor symptoms in the hand after their GSI, of which 22 (15%) patients had a transection of the nerve. Conclusions Sensory and motor nerve deficits are common after a GSI of the hand. However, only 31% of patients with symptoms had a transection of the nerve. A retained bullet (fragment), having more severe hand fractures, and GSI in other regions than the hand are associated with a higher number of operation and a longer period of hospitalization.


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