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Albano GD, La Spina C, Buscemi R, Palmeri M, Malandrino G, Licciardello F, Midiri M, Argo A, Zerbo S. Systematic Review of Fatal Sodium Nitrite Ingestion Cases: Toxicological and Forensic Implications. TOXICS 2024; 12:124. [PMID: 38393219 PMCID: PMC10892969 DOI: 10.3390/toxics12020124] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2023] [Revised: 01/26/2024] [Accepted: 01/30/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024]
Abstract
Documented cases of sodium nitrite toxicity are almost exclusively caused by accidental ingestion; however, self-poisoning with sodium nitrite represents an increasing trend in nitrate-related deaths. This systematic review summarizes the most crucial evidence regarding the fatal toxicity of sodium nitrite. It identifies gaps and differences in the diagnostic forensic approaches and the detection methods of sodium nitrite intoxication. A total of eleven research articles were selected for qualitative and quantitative data. Most of the studies (6/11) were case reports. Fifty-three cases of fatal intoxication with sodium nitrite were chosen for the review. More research is required to develop cost-effective techniques and uniform cutoffs for blood nitrite and nitrate levels in the event of deadly sodium nitrite poisoning. There is still a lack of critical information on other matrices and the impact of time since death on toxicological results in such situations. The available evidence provides useful recommendations for forensic pathologists and health practitioners engaged in instances of sodium nitrite poisoning or death. The data should also set off alarm bells in the public health system, in prosecutor's offices, and for policymakers so that they may undertake preventative measures to stop and restrict the unregulated market for these substances.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giuseppe Davide Albano
- Section of Legal Medicine, Department of Health Promotion, Mother and Child Care, Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties, University of Palermo, 90129 Palermo, Italy
| | - Corinne La Spina
- Section of Legal Medicine, Department of Health Promotion, Mother and Child Care, Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties, University of Palermo, 90129 Palermo, Italy
| | - Roberto Buscemi
- Section of Legal Medicine, Department of Health Promotion, Mother and Child Care, Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties, University of Palermo, 90129 Palermo, Italy
| | - Mattia Palmeri
- Section of Legal Medicine, Department of Health Promotion, Mother and Child Care, Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties, University of Palermo, 90129 Palermo, Italy
| | - Giuliana Malandrino
- Section of Legal Medicine, Department of Health Promotion, Mother and Child Care, Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties, University of Palermo, 90129 Palermo, Italy
| | - Fausto Licciardello
- Section of Legal Medicine, Department of Health Promotion, Mother and Child Care, Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties, University of Palermo, 90129 Palermo, Italy
| | - Mauro Midiri
- Section of Legal Medicine, Department of Health Promotion, Mother and Child Care, Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties, University of Palermo, 90129 Palermo, Italy
| | - Antonina Argo
- Section of Legal Medicine, Department of Health Promotion, Mother and Child Care, Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties, University of Palermo, 90129 Palermo, Italy
| | - Stefania Zerbo
- Section of Legal Medicine, Department of Health Promotion, Mother and Child Care, Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties, University of Palermo, 90129 Palermo, Italy
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Giovannini E, Roccaro M, Peli A, Bianchini S, Bini C, Pelotti S, Fais P. Medico-legal implications of dog bite injuries: A systematic review. Forensic Sci Int 2023; 352:111849. [PMID: 37783138 DOI: 10.1016/j.forsciint.2023.111849] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2023] [Revised: 09/13/2023] [Accepted: 09/25/2023] [Indexed: 10/04/2023]
Abstract
Dog bites pose a significant global public health issue and are the most common type of injury caused by animals. While most dog bites result in minor harm, they can also lead to severe or even fatal consequences. In cases involving serious injury or death, forensic pathologists investigate various aspects, including the crime scene, the injuries sustained by the victim, and the characteristics of the dog suspected to have caused the bite. The aim of this study is to provide a systematic review of the literature on the medical-legal implications of dog bites in forensic practice, in order to recognize the dog bite victim features, the injuries and their consequences related to, and to identify the offending dogs. The literature search was performed using PubMed, Scopus and Web of Science from January 1980 to March 2023. Eligible studies have investigated issues of interest to forensic medicine about dog bites to humans. A total of 116 studies met the inclusion criteria and were included in the review and they were organized and discussed by issue of interest (biting dog features, dog bite victim features, anatomical distribution of dog bites, injuries related to dog bites, cause of death, bite features, dog identification and post-mortem dog depredation). The findings of this systematic review highlight the importance of bite mark analysis in reconstructing the events leading to the attack and identifying the dog responsible. In medical forensic evaluations of dog bite cases, a multidisciplinary approach is crucial. This approach involves thorough analysis of the crime scene, identification of risk factors, examination of dog characteristics, and assessment of the victim's injuries. By combining expertise from both human and veterinary forensic fields, a comprehensive understanding can be achieved in dog bite cases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elena Giovannini
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, Unit of Legal Medicine, University of Bologna, Via Irnerio 49, 40126 Bologna, Italy.
| | - Mariana Roccaro
- Department of Veterinary Medical Sciences, University of Bologna, Via Tolaradi Sopra, 50, Ozzano dell'Emilia, 40064 Bologna, Italy.
| | - Angelo Peli
- Department of Veterinary Medical Sciences, University of Bologna, Via Tolaradi Sopra, 50, Ozzano dell'Emilia, 40064 Bologna, Italy.
| | - Simone Bianchini
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, Unit of Legal Medicine, University of Bologna, Via Irnerio 49, 40126 Bologna, Italy.
| | - Carla Bini
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, Unit of Legal Medicine, University of Bologna, Via Irnerio 49, 40126 Bologna, Italy.
| | - Susi Pelotti
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, Unit of Legal Medicine, University of Bologna, Via Irnerio 49, 40126 Bologna, Italy.
| | - Paolo Fais
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, Unit of Legal Medicine, University of Bologna, Via Irnerio 49, 40126 Bologna, Italy.
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Simonit F, Moreschi C, Desinan L. A fatal and unusual genital mutilation in an elderly man as a result of sharp force injuries and domestic dog predation. Forensic Sci Med Pathol 2023; 19:398-402. [PMID: 36239912 PMCID: PMC10518282 DOI: 10.1007/s12024-022-00542-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Cases of genital amputation require a careful investigation, since they may be the result of self-inflicted injuries, assaults, animal predation, or post-mortem body mutilation. In the present case, an 81-year-old man affected by liver cirrhosis and dementia and suffering from sexual disinhibition was found lying half-naked and unconscious in his courtyard; profuse bleeding in the perineal area and the absence of the external genitalia were observed. The victim was transferred to hospital and underwent surgical emergency treatment, but he died 2 days later. No sharp tools were found on the scene. Moreover, the autopsy did not reveal any defense or tentative wound on the body and no blood stains on the hands of the victim. Several linear scratches were detected close to the edges of the wound; according to the surgical report, these scratches were clean-cut in the lower part and crenated and infiltrated by blood in the cranial part. Although the medical history of the man could be consistent with self-mutilation, it was not possible to rule out the involvement of other people, including the possibility of an attempt by his relatives to cover up what may have been a self-amputation. Furthermore, the victim's dog vomited parts of the man's genitalia while being transported to a dog shelter. Similar cases have rarely been published in the current forensic literature.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesco Simonit
- Dipartimento di Area Medica, Università degli Studi di Udine, Medicina Legale, piazzale Santa Maria della Misericordia 15, 33100 Udine, Italy
| | - Carlo Moreschi
- Dipartimento di Area Medica, Università degli Studi di Udine, Medicina Legale, piazzale Santa Maria della Misericordia 15, 33100 Udine, Italy
| | - Lorenzo Desinan
- Dipartimento di Area Medica, Università degli Studi di Udine, Medicina Legale, piazzale Santa Maria della Misericordia 15, 33100 Udine, Italy
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Heinrich J, Berger C, Berger B, Hecht W, Phillips C, Parson W. The LASSIE MPS panel: Predicting externally visible traits in dogs for forensic purposes. Forensic Sci Int Genet 2023; 66:102893. [PMID: 37290253 DOI: 10.1016/j.fsigen.2023.102893] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2023] [Revised: 05/28/2023] [Accepted: 06/01/2023] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Predicting the outward appearance of dogs via their DNA, also known as Canine DNA Phenotyping, is a young, emerging field of research in forensic genetics. The few previous studies published in this respect were restricted to the consecutive analysis of single DNA markers, a process that is time- and sample-consuming and therefore not a viable option for limited forensic specimens. Here, we report on the development and evaluation of a Massively Parallel Sequencing (MPS) based molecular genetic assay, the LASSIE MPS Panel. This panel aims to predict externally visible as well as skeletal traits, which include coat color, coat pattern, coat structure, tail morphology, skull shape, ear shape, eye color and body size from DNA using 44 genetic markers in a single molecular genetic assay. A biostatistical naïve Bayes classification approach was applied to identify the most informative marker combinations for predicting phenotypes. Overall, the predictive performance was characterized by a very high classification success for some of the trait categories, and high to moderate success for others. The performance of the developed predictive framework was further evaluated using blind samples from three randomly selected dog individuals, whose appearance was well predicted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Josephin Heinrich
- Institute of Legal Medicine, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Cordula Berger
- Institute of Legal Medicine, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Burkhard Berger
- Institute of Legal Medicine, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Werner Hecht
- Institute of Veterinary Pathology, Justus-Liebig-University Giessen, Giessen, Germany
| | - Christopher Phillips
- Forensic Genetics Unit, Institute of Forensic Sciences, University of Santiago de Compostela, Spain
| | - Walther Parson
- Institute of Legal Medicine, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria; Forensic Science Program, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, USA.
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Cardinali I, Tancredi D, Lancioni H. The Revolution of Animal Genomics in Forensic Sciences. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24108821. [PMID: 37240167 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24108821] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2023] [Revised: 05/10/2023] [Accepted: 05/15/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Nowadays, the coexistence between humans and domestic animals (especially dogs and cats) has become a common scenario of daily life. Consequently, during a forensic investigation in civil or criminal cases, the biological material from a domestic animal could be considered "evidence" by law enforcement agencies. Animal genomics offers an important contribution in attacks and episodes of property destruction or in a crime scene where the non-human biological material is linked to the victim or perpetrator. However, only a few animal genetics laboratories in the world are able to carry out a valid forensic analysis, adhering to standards and guidelines that ensure the admissibility of data before a court of law. Today, forensic sciences focus on animal genetics considering all domestic species through the analysis of STRs (short tandem repeats) and autosomal and mitochondrial DNA SNPs (single nucleotide polymorphisms). However, the application of these molecular markers to wildlife seems to have gradually gained a strong relevance, aiming to tackle illegal traffic, avoid the loss of biodiversity, and protect endangered species. The development of third-generation sequencing technologies has glimmered new possibilities by bringing "the laboratory into the field", with a reduction of both the enormous cost management of samples and the degradation of the biological material.
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Affiliation(s)
- Irene Cardinali
- Department of Chemistry, Biology and Biotechnology, University of Perugia, 06123 Perugia, Italy
| | - Domenico Tancredi
- Department of Chemistry, Biology and Biotechnology, University of Perugia, 06123 Perugia, Italy
| | - Hovirag Lancioni
- Department of Chemistry, Biology and Biotechnology, University of Perugia, 06123 Perugia, Italy
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Albano GD, Stassi C, Argo A, Zerbo S. An Overview on the Use of miRNAs as Possible Forensic Biomarkers for the Diagnosis of Traumatic Brain Injury. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24076503. [PMID: 37047473 PMCID: PMC10094817 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24076503] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2023] [Revised: 03/17/2023] [Accepted: 03/22/2023] [Indexed: 04/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Determining the cause of death is one of the main goals of forensic pathology. However, conditions can occur in which common approaches—external inspection, autopsy, histology, etc.—might not be conclusive. With the advancement of molecular biology, several investigative techniques have been developed over the years, and the application as approaches complementary to routine procedures has proved useful in these cases. In this context, microRNA (miRNA) profiling has attracted increasing interest due to these molecules’ ability to regulate physiological and pathological processes. The evidence of differential miRNA expression in both animal models and human samples of traumatic brain injury (TBI) has laid the basis for comprehension of the underlying pathophysiological mechanisms, thus allowing us to identify some of them as possible TBI diagnostic biomarkers. The present narrative review aims to explore the primary miRNAs involved in the mechanisms underlying TBI, which could be considered for future evaluation as possible markers in a post mortem setting.
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Wenzlow N, Mills D, Byrd J, Warren M, Long MT. Review of the current and potential use of biological and molecular methods for the estimation of the postmortem interval in animals and humans. J Vet Diagn Invest 2023; 35:97-108. [PMID: 36744749 PMCID: PMC9999395 DOI: 10.1177/10406387231153930] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
We provide here an overview of the state of applied techniques in the estimation of the early period of the postmortem interval (PMI). The biological methods included consist of body cooling, CSF potassium, body cooling combined with CSF potassium, and tissue autolysis. For each method, we present its application in human and veterinary medicine and provide current methodology, strengths, and weaknesses, as well as target areas for improvement. We examine current and future molecular methods as they pertain to DNA and primarily to messenger RNA degradation for the estimation of the PMI, as well as the use of RNA in aging wounds, aging blood stains, and the identification of body fluids. Various types of RNA have different lengths, structures, and functions in cells. These differences in RNAs determine various intrinsic properties, such as their half-lives in cells, and, hence, their decay rate as well as their unique use for specific forensic tests. Future applications and refinements of RNA-based techniques provide opportunities for the use of molecular methods in the estimation of PMI and other general forensic applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nanny Wenzlow
- Louisiana Animal Disease Diagnostic Laboratory, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, LA, USA
| | - DeEtta Mills
- Department of Biological Sciences and International Forensic Research Institute, Florida International University, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Jason Byrd
- Maples Center for Forensic Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Mike Warren
- Maples Center for Forensic Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Maureen T. Long
- Department of Comparative, Diagnostic, and Population Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
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Iliopoulos Y, Astaras C, Chatzimichail E. Dogs, not wolves, most likely to have caused the death of a British tourist in northern Greece. NATURE CONSERVATION 2022. [DOI: 10.3897/natureconservation.50.81915] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
Wolf (Canis lupus) populations have recovered and expanded across many parts of the world thanks to conservation efforts, including improved legal status and restoration of their prey. Concurrently, public concerns regarding the risk of wolf attacks on humans and livestock are increasing as wolves occupy human-dominated landscapes. We examined a unique case in Europe allegedly involving wolves in the death of a female British tourist, aged 64, in northern Greece in September 2017. This incident received extensive international media attention and yet many fundamental details of the case area are lacking, including whether local livestock guarding dogs played a role. To assist in resolving the case, we conducted an extensive literature review which documented 13 criteria linked to the risk of either a wolf and/or a dog attacking a human. We also conducted a camera trap survey (October to December 2017) soon after the fatal attack to calculate the activity overlap among humans, dogs and wolves. Sufficient data were available for assessing 11 of the 13 criteria. For the remaining two, the required data were either not analysed (i.e. canid DNA collected from the attack site), not appropriately collected (i.e. DNA from the mouths of suspected dogs) or were collected, but misinterpreted (i.e. the post-consumption patterns of the victim’s corpse). Via this combination of evidence, we conclude that this case involved a fatal dog attack. This assertion is supported by evidence such as the: a) high dog-human activity overlap at the attack site which peaked during the attack time as opposed to near zero wolf-human activity overlap at the same time, b) presence of a large pack of unsupervised dogs, c) high ratio of male dogs in the dog pack, d) close vicinity of the attack site to dog owner’s property and e) previous documented aggression of these dogs towards humans. The consumption patterns, time scale and location of the victim’s remains indicate a posthumous consumption of the corpse possibly by the same dogs and/or by wild scavengers including wolves. A multidisciplinary approach, such as this one, in the assessment of putative wildlife attacks on humans can reduce misidentifications of the responsible species by forensic authorities and, therefore, prevent unfounded decrease in public tolerance for large carnivores.
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Ferrara M, Bertozzi G, Volonnino G, Di Fazio N, Frati P, Cipolloni L, La Russa R, Fineschi V. Glymphatic System a Window on TBI Pathophysiology: A Systematic Review. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23169138. [PMID: 36012401 PMCID: PMC9408940 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23169138] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2022] [Revised: 08/09/2022] [Accepted: 08/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: In recent years, the attention of the scientific world has focused on a clearance system of brain waste metabolites, called the glymphatic system, based on its similarity to the lymphatic system in peripheral tissue and the relevant role of the AQP4 glial channels and described for the first time in 2012. Consequently, numerous studies focused on its role in organ damage in cases of neuropathologies, including TBI. Methods: To evaluate the role that the glymphatic system has in the pathogenesis of TBI, on 23 March 2022, a systematic review of the literature according to PRISMA guidelines was carried out using the SCOPUS and Medline (via PubMed) databases, resulting in 12 articles after the selection process. Discussion and conclusion: The present review demonstrated that an alteration of AQP4 is associated with the accumulation of substances S100b, GFAP, and NSE, known markers of TBI in the forensic field. In addition, the alteration of the functionality of AQP4 favors edema, which, as already described, constitutes alterations of secondary brain injuries. Moreover, specific areas of the brain were demonstrated to be prone to alterations of the glymphatic pathway, suggesting their involvement in post-TBI damage. Therefore, further studies are mandatory. In this regard, a study protocol on cadavers is also proposed, based on the analyzed evidence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michela Ferrara
- Department of Anatomical, Histological, Forensic and Orthopaedic Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Bertozzi
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Section of Legal Medicine, University of Foggia, 71122 Foggia, Italy
| | - Gianpietro Volonnino
- Department of Anatomical, Histological, Forensic and Orthopaedic Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Nicola Di Fazio
- Department of Anatomical, Histological, Forensic and Orthopaedic Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Paola Frati
- Department of Anatomical, Histological, Forensic and Orthopaedic Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Luigi Cipolloni
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Section of Legal Medicine, University of Foggia, 71122 Foggia, Italy
| | - Raffaele La Russa
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Section of Legal Medicine, University of Foggia, 71122 Foggia, Italy
| | - Vittorio Fineschi
- Department of Anatomical, Histological, Forensic and Orthopaedic Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy
- Correspondence:
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Liver Trauma: Management in the Emergency Setting and Medico-Legal Implications. Diagnostics (Basel) 2022; 12:diagnostics12061456. [PMID: 35741266 PMCID: PMC9221646 DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics12061456] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2022] [Revised: 06/09/2022] [Accepted: 06/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Traumatic abdominal injuries are life-threatening emergencies frequently seen in the Emergency Department (ED). The most common is liver trauma, which accounts for approximately 5% of all ED admissions for trauma. The management of blunt liver trauma has evolved significantly over the past few decades and, according to the injury’s severity, it may require massive resuscitation, radiological procedures, endoscopy, or surgery. Patients admitted to the ED with blunt abdominal trauma require a multidisciplinary evaluation, including emergency physicians, surgeons, radiologists, and anesthetists, who must promptly identify the extent of the injury to prevent serious complications. In case of a patient’s death, the execution of a forensic examination carried out with a multidisciplinary approach (radiological, macroscopic, and histological) is essential to understand the cause of death and to correlate the extent of the injuries to the possibility of survival to be able to manage any medico-legal disputes. This manuscript aims to collect the most up-to-date evidence regarding the management of hepatic trauma in the emergency room and to explore radiological findings and medico-legal implications.
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Benevento M, Trotta S, Iarussi F, Caterino C, Jarussi V, Solarino B. Multidisciplinary analysis of bite marks in a fatal human dog attack: A case report. Leg Med (Tokyo) 2020; 48:101816. [PMID: 33242824 DOI: 10.1016/j.legalmed.2020.101816] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2020] [Revised: 07/24/2020] [Accepted: 11/12/2020] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Lethal injuries by animal attacks are a matter of concern for the forensic pathologist; the presented case illustrates a two dogs attack on a 61-year-old man. The authors have focused on a multidisciplinary approach involving forensic pathologists and veterinarians. MATERIALS AND METHODS The victim was cycling in the countryside when he was attacked by two dogs that came out of a large house. He was found lying in the street by the homeowners who called for help. The victim was transported to the hospital where he died five days later. According to recovery data and medico-legal autopsy findings the cause of death was septic shock. RESULTS Forensic pathologists and veterinarians multidisciplinary evaluation revealed lacerations, abrasions, and multiple small punctures constituting bite marks over the entire body. Six skin dowels with bite marks were taken and compared with the dental cast of the dogs. CONCLUSION A comparison of the dog dental casts and the bite marks on the victim's body allowed the identification of the animals involved in the attack.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Silvia Trotta
- Institute of Legal Medicine, University of Bari, Italy.
| | - Fabrizio Iarussi
- Department of Emergency and Organ Transplants, Veterinary Section, University of Bari, Italy
| | | | - Valerio Jarussi
- Specialista in Malattie dei piccoli animali, Dipartimento di Prevenzione, SIAV "C", ASL/FG Sud, Foggia, Italy
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