Nitin S Ninal

Abstract

After death postmortem degradation of cells occur by means of autolysis. Various tissues and body fluids like heart, liver, kidney, uterus, labial mucosa, gingival epithelium, salivary glands, skin, and its appendages and body fluids such as blood cells and cerebrospinal fluid cells were studied to know the pattern of autolytic changes. The present study was undertaken to evaluate gross and histological changes of aorta in human and to identify different morphological changes that occur at different postmortem intervals. The study consisted of 10 male cadavers and their age ranged from 20 years to 76 years (mean age 43.4 years). The results of the present study show that the aorta undergoes progressive morphological changes in the postmortem period. These changes were observed on gross examination and at cellular level by light microscopy. The limitations of present study are 1) small sample size, 2) evaluation of aorta in single environment and 3) study of male sex only. Further large studies are required to establish whether the criteria of postmortem changes in aorta can reliably be used to estimate the death interval. Keywords: Aorta, Death, Histopathology, Postmortem interval.

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Abstract

“Death occurring in some form of custodial detention is commonly known as death in custody, such as police cell or prison”. ‘Right to Life’ implies the duty of state to respect and ensure the right to life of each and every individual within their jurisdiction including the individuals held in custody by law enforcement agencies. Studies across the globe have noticed that most of the custodial deaths are natural. Death of a person in custody is always a matter of concern especially when it is unnatural one. This study was undertaken to know the pattern of custodial deaths in different aspects. Out of total 28 cases autopsied during study period of 5 years 26 (92.86%) individuals were prisoners whereas only 2 (7.14%) belonged to police custody. Among 28 cases 23 (82.14%) deaths were natural and 5 (17.86%) were unnatural deaths. Tuberculosis 7 (25%) was most common culprit among natural deaths. Total 25 (89.28%) were male and only 3 (10.72%) were females among study population and most of the cases 7 (25%) belonged to 51-60yr age group. As far as unnatural deaths are concerned 4 deaths were suicidal and only one case was homicidal. Keywords: Custody, Death, Autopsy

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