Rishabh Kumar Singh

Abstract

Sternum foramen may be misinterpreted as acquired lesions such as gunshot wound, fracture, lytic lesions, etc. Sternal foramen leaves the lung, heart and large vessels unprotected while performing invasive procedures such as bone marrow aspiration, acupuncture leading to life-threatening complications such as pneumothorax and cardiac tamponade. From a medicolegal perspective, identifying the morphological anomalies or variations of xiphoid process aid in the individualization process by serving as points of similarity when their occurrence has been recorded antemortem. In addition, their antemortem records in the form of previous x rays make important data for skeletonized remains to be identified. The present study was carried using sternal bones removed during autopsy on a total of 350 cases above the age of 30 years and has established aincidence of 6.57% for sternal foramen. Forensic pathologists should be meticulous enough to rule out errors in determining the nature and cause of death in worrying cases as sternal foramen is highly likely to be confused with gun-shot wounds or traumatic antemortem injury. Keywords: Sternal foramen, Incidence, Medico-legal importance, Artifact

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Abstract

Background: Human organ weights play a significant role in clinical and forensic settings, as cause of death in suicidal cases may affect organ weight and may be used in the detection of anatomical and pathological abnormalities. Aims: Our study’s aim is to find out a correlation between organ weights and suicide and any variations in organ weight if different method of suicide is used. Materials and Methods: Present study was conducted in the department of Forensic Medicine and Toxicology, Lady Hardinge Medical College on a total of 50 cases of suicide brought to the mortuary for post-mortem examination. The socio-demographic profile of victims of suicide was analyzed after obtaining the relevant data from the relatives and the accompanying investigating officer.Weights of various internal organs of the body were also measured and any changes in the weight recorded. All the internal organs were weighed using organ weight measuring machine and noted for any change in the weight. Results: Hanging was the most common method (62%), followed by poisoning (24%) and self immolation (10%). The weights of internal organs were increased in majority of cases of suicides. Conclusion: There was a positive correlation between weight of internal organs and cause of death mainly in hanging, poisoning and burns suicidal cases. Keywords: Suicide, Different methods of suicide, Internal organ weight, Brain edema.

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Abstract

Household poisons are substances in home that can cause harm when swallowed, inhaled or touched. They include medicines, detergents, cleaning products, toiletries, garden chemicals and other common household products. Each year hundreds of people from all age groups require medical attention for poisoning from products commonly found around the home. This type of poisoning occurs more commonly in children under five years of age. We are presenting summary of 7 cases of common household chemicals poisoning among pediatric age group brought for post-mortem examination at Department of Forensic Medicine, Lady Hardinge Medical College, New Delhi. Keywords: Household poison, Acetone, Pyrethroids, Insecticides, Engine oil poisoning, Acid, Zinc phosphide

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