Indian Journal of Forensic Medicine and Pathology

Railway transportation has emerged as the major mode with the ongoing modernization of vehicular mechanics. In India, the railway tracks run not only in the outskirts but also in between the suburbs in many places. And with the rising population of the country, most of the trains are over packed with the passengers travelling to their destination. The railway is still the most
preferred mode of transportation as compared to flight and road in India. These factors play the role in increasing the chances of accidents in India. It is not quite unusual for us to hear about some sort of railway accident or derailment of a train on a normal day. On average there are 15 deaths every day due to
railway accidents since India is the fourth largest country concerning railways transport system. With a huge proportion of the population living without the availability of basic needs of a home, as is commonly seen in form of shanties beside the railway track itself. The railway providing compensation in cases of
accident related to it has become a source of easy money, luring many towards he fraudulent use of the rule. The same was seen in the below discussed case report.
 

Traumatic neuromas are considered pseudotumors caused due to reactive proliferation of the neural tissue. Due to trauma of the nerve, a process of degeneration at the distal end and regeneration at the proximal end occurs. Histopathological examination is essential for making a diagnosis of traumatic neuroma along with clinical and radiological correlation.
 

The challenging forensic procedure of corpse identification is required by law authorities and social norms. It is very crucial to compare the post-mortem and antemortem medical information in cases where the bodies are severely damaged and beyond recognition. However, conventional identification techniques might not have been effective, especially though there have been
substantial post-mortem alterations. In unidentifiable skeletons, gender has long been determined from either the skull, pelvic or long bones with an epiphysis and a metaphysis. In the present study, an attempt has been made to determine gender divergences from axial and coronal computed tomographic scans (CT) of the maxillary sinus in the Kerala population. A total of 40 individuals including 20 males and 20 females, visiting the Outpatient Department of the Koyilli Hospital, Kannur were included as the study subjects. The dimensions of the right and left maxillary sinuses of 40 subjects from plain CT were measured using Radiant DICOM software. Statistical analysis was completed with an independent student t-test and general descriptive analysis with SPSS software. Gender determination using height, length, and the width of the maxillary sinus on both sides showed statistically insignificant results but in the case of left volume and left the anterior-posterior height of the maxillary sinus the p-value was found to be significant at 95% of confidence level. So, the present study concludes that the left volume of the maxillary sinus and left anteroposterior height showed statistically significant results which can be considered in determining and screening corpses on the bases of maxillary sinus computed tomographic records.

 

Background: The lungs are secondarily involved in almost all forms of terminal events. The study of these lesions will help in devising prophylactic strategies to reduce associated mortality.
Objectives: To find the frequency of various lung lesions in relation to age, and sex, and to analyze the histopathological spectrum of lung lesions in autopsy cases.
material and methods: Two years of retrospective studies based on hospital records from January 2019 - December 2020 carried out in the department of pathology. Lungs were fixed in 10% formalin & processed. Paraffin wax embedding was done & sections were stained with H & E stain. Gross and microscopic examinations of samples were conducted for diagnosis.
results: A total of 147 cases with lung specimens were received during the period of study. Among these, 47 (32%) cases showed tissue autolysis of the lung. The age ranged from 8 months to 80 years. The majority of cases analyzed were from adults, and only 8 (5.5%) cases were below 15 years of age. Pathologies were detected in 99 cases and one case had unremarkable histology. The majority of the cases (77%) were males. Microscopic findings seen included congestion and edema (30%), inflammation (acute pneumonia, granulomatous and fungal) (23%), emphysema (20%), changes in the interstitium (12%) and pulmonary thromboembolism (12%). The majority of pulmonary thromboembolism was seen in the age group of 16-30 years.
conclusion: Congestion and edema followed by pneumonia were the most commonly observed pathological lung lesions in our study. Autopsy study of lung lesions can provide insight to plan certain preventive strategies to reduce morbidity and mortality due to lung pathology.
 

context: There are various methods have been developed for dental age estimation, of these; Demirjian’s seven teeth method is the most tested and accepted method worldwide. It is based on tooth development rather than tooth eruption, because the developmental process is strictly controlled by genes and less influenced by dietary insufficiency, endocrinal disturbances, and environmental insults.
aims: The purpose of this study is to evaluate the applicability of two
Demirjian’s methods in a sample of the Varanasi region.
setting and design: This is a cross-sectional prospective study.
material and methods: The evaluation of digital panoramic images of a total of 432 children and adolescents (237 boys and 195 girls) of age rang 3-16 years from the population of the Varanasi region. Seven left mandibular teeth excluding the third molar were rated and scored to obtain dental age using Dem73 and Dem76 methods.
statistical analysis: Paired t-test was applied to determine the significant difference between estimated dental age and chronological age and correlation was established using Pearson’s correlation coefficient.
results: The Dem73 method overestimated the dental age in boys by 0.23 (±0.80) years and by 0.12 (±0.85) years in the total sample. In the girls’ sample, there was no discernible difference in mean age. In boys, girls, and the total sample, the Dem76 method overestimated dental ages by 0.85 (±1.14), 0.45 (±1.00), and 0.67 (±1.10) years, respectively. Pearson’s correlation revealed a high coefficient value between dental and chronological ages.
conclusions: Dem73 method is more applicable than the Dem76 method for age estimation among children and adolescents in the Varanasi region.
 

introduction: The present study was carried out to assess the value of
routine histopathological examination of appendectomy specimens An
attempt is made to review the histopathological spectrum of appendectomy over a period of 2 years and 3 months.
aims and objectives: To study the spectrum of histopathological lesions in appendectomy specimens and special emphasis is made to highlight the unusual lesions observed in surgically resected appendicectomies and appendices in medicolegal autopsies.
material and methods: The study was carried out on appendectomy
specimens received in the department of pathology Mahadevappa Rampure Medical College during a period of 2 years and 3 months from Jan 2019 to March 2021. Clinical data collected from records of corresponding appendectomy specimens were processed. Sections studied various histopathological patterns with an emphasis on unusual findings.
results: A total of 500 specimens were analyzed among which 298 were males and 202 were females with M: F 1.4:1. The histopathological examination showed Acute appendicitis (57.4%), Acute ulcerative appendicitis (0.8%), Recurrent/Eosinophilic appendicitis (03%), Acute necrotizing appendicitis
(1.6%), Acute appendicitis with periappendicitis (1.4%), Acute suppurative appendicitis (2.4%), Gangrenous appendicitis (0.8%), Healed appendicitis (2.2%), Chronic appendicitis (25.2%) and Chronic sclerosing appendicitis (1.0%). The unusual fngings were observed in 22 cases (4.4%) which include Tubercular appendicitis (1.0%), Foreign body granuloma (0.8%), Xanthogranulomatous appendicitis (0.2%), Enterobiusvermicularis (0.8%), Round worm (0.2%), Retention mucocele (0.4%), Carcinoid tumor (0.4%),
Mucinous adenocarcinoma (0.4%) and Metastatic adenocarcinoma  (0.2%).
conclusion: Though the present study revealed usual findings of appendicitis and variants in most of the cases, the observation of unusual findings like granulomas, parasites, and neoplasms warrants a careful study of all appendectomy specimens received in the pathology department with emphasis on relevant clinical and laboratory findings thus modulating the management and follow up.
 

Background: The aim of this study is to give an account of autopsy findings and histopathological changes in fatal electrocution cases. A secondary aim was to know the epidemiological profile, cause of death, and its relation to the survival period in fatal electrical injuries.
study design: A retrospective study was undertaken of all fatal electrocution cases autopsied in the mortuary of Dr. Prabhakar Kore Charitable Hospital of Belagavi, Karnataka, India between January 2011 to December 2021. Data was collected from autopsy reports, police information, and hospital records. It was further analyzed and expressed in percentages.
results: Cases represented 8.2% of all autopsy cases. Only 27% of cases were due to low voltage electric current. Burn injury was seen in 81% of total cases. 43% of cases showed both entry and exit marks. When the skin of this area was sent for histopathological examination there was a mononuclear infiltrate and subepidermal separation seen. There were interstitial hemorrhages on the right atrium of the heart and hemorrhagic foci were seen on the kidneys and lungs too. Petechial hemorrhages were seen on the heart, lungs, and brain.
conclusions: Histopathological findings can be used as evidence in
determining the cause of death. Deaths due to electrocution demand closer awareness.

 

Autopsy survey of 80 cases of liver specimens over a period of 2 years done in Vydehi Institute of Medical Science and Research Center, Department of Pathology, Bangalore. Quite rightly liver is, called “The custodian of the milieu interior” Autopsy study is useful to monitor the cause of death and to planning medical strategy. The term “alcoholic liver disease” encompasses a spectrum of pathologic conditions ranging from isolated steatosis to established cirrhosis.
Within this spectrum, varying degrees of inflammation, hepatocellular
ballooning degeneration, hepatocyte necrosis, cholestasis, and fibrosis may be encountered. This article reviews the characteristic histologic features of the many forms of alcoholic liver disease.
 

With the increasing frequency of mass disasters, the identification of mutilated remains becomes quite challenging. With commingling, identification becomes further difficult. During such investigations, there is a need to estimate the stature to narrow down the identity of the dead. Estimation of stature is more accurate and reliable using long bones than any other part of the body. Despite a need for such a study, there is a lack of systematic studies to identify fragmented and dismembered human remains.
aim: The aim of the present study is to analyze the anthropometric relationship between forearm length and body height in both sexes specifically for a population of South India.
materials and methods: The study was conducted in the Department of Forensic Medicine & Toxicology, Dr. Chandramma Dayananda Sagar Institute of Medical Education and Research, Ramanagara District, Karnataka in the year 2022. The material consisted of 180 young and healthy students (90 males
and 90 females) in the age group of 18-24 years after taking informed consent to participate in the study. Subjects of south Indian origin were selected based on their mother tongue. The data obtained were computed and analyzed using
Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS, version 26.0) computer software.
results: In the present study, mean stature and forearm length were significantly higher in males than in females. A statistically significant correlation was observed between stature and forearm length. The correlation coefficient was higher among males than females. Linear regression models derived for
the reconstruction of stature in males y = 2.5345 (forearm length) + 101.64 and in females is y = 3.4513 (forearm length) + 73.879.
conclusion: The study concludes that stature can be estimated from forearm length with reasonable accuracy among South Indians. Sex-specific linear regression formulae were derived for estimating stature from forearm length.

 

Background: Acute poisoning is one of the major causes of morbidity and mortality worldwide, with 90% of the burden of fatal poisoning cases from developing countries. The pattern of poisoning in any region depends on a variety of factors such as availability of poisons, socio-economic status of the population,
religious beliefs, and cultural influences. The data regarding poisoning cases in south India is scarce. Hence, the present study was carried out.

materials and methods: This was a hospital-based, descriptive, cross-sectional study conducted for a period of one year, from January 2021 to December 2021.
results: Out of 152 cases, the majority were males (63.16%) and from rural areas (83.55%). The most common age group involved was between 21 to 30 years (41.45%). Suicidal poisoning was common (57.74%) followed by Accidental poisoning (34.21%), while none of them were homicidal in nature. Organophosphorus compounds, Household products, and Rodenticides were the most commonly used poisons.
conclusion: The present study concludes that acute poisoning is a distressing public health problem. It affects the larger number of the male population. The commonest poisoning agent was the Organophosphorus compound. The occurrence was high among married males and in the age group of 21 – 30 years. The incidence of acute poisoning, morbidity, and mortality related
to the poisoning can be diminished by developing and implementing of appropriate preventive strategies.
 

Forensic identification of mutilated and fragmented body parts is a critical part of forensic investigation. Stature is a major criterion of identification and provides useful clues to the investigating agency. There are established correlations of stature with body parts such as extremities, head, trunk, vertebral column, etc. This study was formulated to find out the correlation between maximum head length and maximum head breadth with stature in humans and to calculate a regression equation to determine stature from
the head length and head breadth at Kolkata Police Morgue attached to the Upgraded Department of Forensic and State Medicine, Medical College, Kolkata. It is a cross-sectional, observational study. Total 32 deceased subjects (n= 32, m=26
f=6) were selected for the study depending on inclusion and exclusion criteria. Maximum head length and breadth were measured in each using spreading calipers and stature was measured using standard autopsy procedures. The
results were tabulated in an excel spreadsheet and analyzed using Stat Cal C software and SSS (online). The mean, stature of the study population was 162.54 cm, head length 17.78 cm, and head breadth 13.75. cm r = 0.473 (head length, p <0.006) , 0.181 (head breadth, p <0.321). Regression equations: stature = 3.83 × head length + 94.43; 2.09 × head breadth + 133.69 and 3.76 ×
head length + 0.29 × head breadth +91.60. Head length and head breadth were correlated with stature. Regression equations can be used to estimate stature in forensic cases from head length and breadth.
 

Snake bites are a cause of considerable morbidity and mortality worldwide. Out of 68 cases, the maximum was between the age group of 20 - 30 years (26%). 47 of 68 (69%) victims were male, and 31% of victims were female. More than half of the victims are farmers. 39 of 68 (>57%) victims belonged to a lower class of socioeconomic status. 24% were illiterates, and 76% were literates. Maximum victims, 91%, were from a rural region. A maximum number of victims, 68% had snake bites in the fields, followed by 19% snake bites at home. 56% of snake bites occurred in the rainy season and 26% in the winter season.

 

Background: Many vital organs (Liver, spleen, kidney, etc) and also vital
vessels like the aorta and many major veins are in the abdominal cavity, so injuries to the abdominal cavity are mostly fatal in the form of hemorrhagic shock or neurogenic shock. Blunt or sharp objects may cause these types of injuries. Which are due to any mode of death.
aims: To study the epidemiological aspect of fatal blunt abdominal injuries.
material and method: In this study 140 cases of abdominal injuries by blunt objects are studied for their various aspect.
results: Most cases are of road traffic accidents (RTA) or any other form of accidents. Most of them are young males between 20-40 years of age. Though the majority of them died within in 1-2 hrs, on the spot or on the way. The nature of injuries is correlated with the history and incident. Involvement of the spleen and liver shows multiple lacerations. Kidney and retroperitoneal were also involved in a significant number of cases. Vertebral, bladder, and uterine injuries were rare.
conclusion: Most of the fatal blunt abdominal injuries were off-road traffic
accidents majority of them have liver or spleen and hemorrhagic shock is the cause of death in almost all cases.