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Sessa F, Chisari M, Salerno M, Esposito M, Zuccarello P, Capasso E, Scoto E, Cocimano G. Congenital heart diseases (CHDs) and forensic investigations: Searching for the cause of death. Exp Mol Pathol 2024; 137:104907. [PMID: 38820762 DOI: 10.1016/j.yexmp.2024.104907] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2024] [Revised: 05/17/2024] [Accepted: 05/22/2024] [Indexed: 06/02/2024]
Abstract
Congenital Heart Diseases (CHDs) are a group of structural abnormalities or defects of the heart that are present at birth. CHDs could be connected to sudden death (SD), defined by the WHO (World Health Organization) as "death occurring within 24 h after the onset of the symptoms" in an apparently "healthy" subject. These conditions can range from relatively mild defects to severe, life-threatening anomalies. The prevalence of CHDs varies across populations, but they affect millions of individuals worldwide. This article aims to discuss the post-mortem investigation of death related to CHDs, exploring the forensic approach, current methodologies, challenges, and potential advancements in this challenging field. A further goal of this article is to provide a guide for understanding these complex diseases, highlighting the pivotal role of autopsy, histopathology, and genetic investigations in defining the cause of death, and providing evidence about the translational use of autopsy reports. Forensic investigations play a crucial role in understanding the complexities of CHDs and determining the cause of death accurately. Through collaboration between medical professionals and forensic experts, meticulous examinations, and analysis of evidence, valuable insights can be gained. These insights not only provide closure to the families affected but also contribute to the prevention of future tragedies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesco Sessa
- Department of Medical, Surgical and Advanced Technologies "G.F. Ingrassia", University of Catania, 95121 Catania, Italy.
| | - Mario Chisari
- "Rodolico-San Marco" Hospital, Santa Sofia Street, 87, Catania 95121, Italy.
| | - Monica Salerno
- Department of Medical, Surgical and Advanced Technologies "G.F. Ingrassia", University of Catania, 95121 Catania, Italy.
| | | | - Pietro Zuccarello
- Department of Medical, Surgical and Advanced Technologies "G.F. Ingrassia", University of Catania, 95121 Catania, Italy.
| | - Emanuele Capasso
- Department of Advanced Biomedical Science-Legal Medicine Section, University of Naples "Federico II", 80131 Naples, Italy.
| | - Edmondo Scoto
- Department of Medical, Surgical and Advanced Technologies "G.F. Ingrassia", University of Catania, 95121 Catania, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Cocimano
- Department of Mental and Physical Health and Preventive Medicine, University of Campania "Vanvitelli", 80121 Napoli, Italy.
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Salerno M, Cocimano G, Roccuzzo S, Russo I, Piombino-Mascali D, Márquez-Grant N, Zammit C, Esposito M, Sessa F. New Trends in Immunohistochemical Methods to Estimate the Time since Death: A Review. Diagnostics (Basel) 2022; 12:diagnostics12092114. [PMID: 36140515 PMCID: PMC9497899 DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics12092114] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2022] [Revised: 08/28/2022] [Accepted: 08/30/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
The identification of a reliable and accurate post-mortem interval (PMI) is a major challenge in the field of forensic sciences and criminal investigation. Several laboratory techniques have recently been developed that offer a better contribution to the estimation of PMI, in addition to the traditional physical or physico-chemical (body cooling, lividity, radiocarbon dating, rigor mortis), chemical (autolysis), microbiological (putrefaction), entomological, as well as botanical parameters. Molecular biology (degradation pattern of macromolecules such as proteins, DNA, RNA), biochemical analysis of biological fluids (such as blood, cerebrospinal fluid, and vitreous humor), and immunohistochemistry are some of the most recent technological innovations. A systematic review of the literature was performed with the aim of presenting an up-to-date overview on the correlation between the immunohistochemical (IHC) expression of specific antigenic markers at different PMIs. The systematic review was performed according to PRISMA guidelines. Scopus and PubMed were used as search engines from January 1, 1998 to March 1, 2022 to evaluate the effectiveness of immunohistochemistry in estimating PMI. The following keywords were used: (immunohistochemical) OR (immunohistochemistry) AND (time since death) OR (post-mortem interval) OR (PMI). A total of 6571 articles were collected. Ultimately, 16 studies were included in this review. The results of this systematic review highlighted that IHC techniques, in association with traditional methods, add, in Bayesian terms, additional information to define a more accurate time of death and PMI. However, current IHC results are numerically limited and more data and studies are desirable in the near future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Monica Salerno
- “G.F. Ingrassia” Department of Medical, Surgical and Advanced Technologies, University of Catania, 95121 Catania, Italy
- Correspondence: (M.S.); (F.S.); Tel.: +39-3735357201 (M.S.); +39-095-3782079 (F.S.)
| | - Giuseppe Cocimano
- “G.F. Ingrassia” Department of Medical, Surgical and Advanced Technologies, University of Catania, 95121 Catania, Italy
| | - Salvatore Roccuzzo
- “G.F. Ingrassia” Department of Medical, Surgical and Advanced Technologies, University of Catania, 95121 Catania, Italy
| | - Ilenia Russo
- “G.F. Ingrassia” Department of Medical, Surgical and Advanced Technologies, University of Catania, 95121 Catania, Italy
| | | | | | - Christian Zammit
- Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine and Surgery, University of Malta, 2080 Msida, Malta
| | - Massimiliano Esposito
- “G.F. Ingrassia” Department of Medical, Surgical and Advanced Technologies, University of Catania, 95121 Catania, Italy
| | - Francesco Sessa
- “G.F. Ingrassia” Department of Medical, Surgical and Advanced Technologies, University of Catania, 95121 Catania, Italy
- Correspondence: (M.S.); (F.S.); Tel.: +39-3735357201 (M.S.); +39-095-3782079 (F.S.)
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S-100 Immunohistochemical Positivity in Rhabdomyoma: An Underestimated Potential Diagnostic Pitfall in Routine Practice. Diagnostics (Basel) 2022; 12:diagnostics12040892. [PMID: 35453940 PMCID: PMC9030831 DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics12040892] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2022] [Revised: 03/17/2022] [Accepted: 03/29/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
A 66-year-old man presented with a 2.8 cm lesion of the left vocal cord. On contrast-enhanced computed tomography scans, the tumor extended to the supraglottis, subglottis, paraglottic space and anterior commissure, causing partial obstruction of the laryngeal lumen. At another hospital, a fragmented incisional biopsy was diagnosed as a granular cell tumor, as to the S-100 immunohistochemical positivity. After excision, the tumor revealed to be an adult-type laryngeal rhabdomyoma. The typical cytoplasmic rod-like inclusions and cross striations were more evident in the second specimen. We confirmed the unusual S-100 immunohistochemical positivity (variable intensity, >90% of tumor cells). Muscle markers were not performed on the previous biopsy, resulting positive in our specimen (Desmin: strong, diffuse expression; Smooth Muscle Actin: strong staining in 10% of tumor cells). Melan-A, CD68, GFAP, pan-cytokeratins, CEA, calretinin and neurofilaments resulted negative. To our brief, systematic literature review, S-100 positivity (usually variable, often weak or patchy/focal) was globally found in 19/34 (56%) adult-type rhabdomyomas of the head and neck region. Especially on fragmented biopsy material, the differential diagnoses of laryngeal rhabdomyomas may include granular cell tumors, oncocytic tumors of the salivary glands or of different origin, and paragangliomas.
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Sessa F, Esposito M, Messina G, Di Mizio G, Di Nunno N, Salerno M. Sudden Death in Adults: A Practical Flow Chart for Pathologist Guidance. Healthcare (Basel) 2021; 9:870. [PMID: 34356248 PMCID: PMC8307931 DOI: 10.3390/healthcare9070870] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2021] [Revised: 07/06/2021] [Accepted: 07/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
The medico-legal term "sudden death (SD)" refers to those deaths that are not preceded by significant symptoms. SD in apparently healthy individuals (newborn through to adults) represents a challenge for medical examiners, law enforcement officers, and society as a whole. This review aims to introduce a useful flowchart that should be applied in all cases of SD. Particularly, this flowchart mixes the data obtained through an up-to-date literature review and a revision of the latest version of guidelines for autopsy investigation of sudden cardiac death (SCD) in order to support medico-legal investigation. In light of this review, following the suggested flowchart step-by-step, the forensic pathologist will be able to apply all the indications of the scientific community to real cases. Moreover, it will be possible to answer all questions relative to SD, such as: death may be attributable to cardiac disease or to other causes, the nature of the cardiac disease (defining whether the mechanism was arrhythmic or mechanical), whether the condition causing SD may be inherited (with subsequent genetic counseling), the assumption of toxic or illicit drugs, traumas, and other unnatural causes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesco Sessa
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Foggia, 71122 Foggia, Italy;
| | - Massimiliano Esposito
- Department of Medical, Surgical and Advanced Technologies “G.F. Ingrassia”, University of Catania, 95121 Catania, Italy; (M.E.); (M.S.)
| | - Giovanni Messina
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Foggia, 71122 Foggia, Italy;
| | - Giulio Di Mizio
- Forensic Medicine, Department of Law, Economy and Sociology, Campus “S. Venuta”, Magna Graecia University, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy;
| | - Nunzio Di Nunno
- Department of History, Society and Studies on Humanity, University of Salento, 73100 Lecce, Italy;
| | - Monica Salerno
- Department of Medical, Surgical and Advanced Technologies “G.F. Ingrassia”, University of Catania, 95121 Catania, Italy; (M.E.); (M.S.)
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Kondo T, Niida Y, Mizuguchi M, Nagasaki Y, Ueno Y, Nishimura A. Autopsy case of right ventricular rhabdomyoma in tuberous sclerosis complex. Leg Med (Tokyo) 2018; 36:37-40. [PMID: 30336374 DOI: 10.1016/j.legalmed.2018.10.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2018] [Revised: 09/21/2018] [Accepted: 10/08/2018] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC) is a genetic multisystem disorder characterized by widespread hamartomas in several organs, including the brain, heart, skin, eyes, kidney, lung, and liver. Rhabdomyoma is the most common cardiac tumor diagnosed in fetuses, neonates and infants, and is closely linked to TSC. Here we describe an autopsy case of right ventricular rhabdomyoma in TSC. The deceased was a 3-month-old male infant, and TSC with a cardiac tumor had been diagnosed before his death. Since the cardiac tumor had not been physically blocking the blood flow, he had not undergone surgical intervention. At autopsy, the patient's height was 62 cm and his body weight was 6 kg. The heart weighed 37.3 g and the right ventricle was filled with the tumor. The tumor measured 2.1 cm × 1.6 cm, being a fusion of multiple tumors with several attachment sites to the myocardium. Histologically, the tumor was diagnosed as a rhabdomyoma, and was positive for mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR). The brain weighed 795.0 g, without hydrocephalus. The cut surface of the brain revealed multiple cortical tubers and subependymal nodules. Through screening for the TSC1 (hamartin) and TSC2 (tuberin) genes, a nonsense mutation, c.1108C>T:p.Gln370∗, was detected in the TSC2 gene. Immediate cause of death was determined to be ventricular obstruction by a cardiac rhabdomyoma with insidious growth. This case highlights the need for forensic pathologists to perform a complete autopsy to determine the cause of sudden death with cardiac tumor, including genetic examination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takeshi Kondo
- Medical Examiner's Office of Hyogo Prefecture, Kobe, Japan; Division of Legal Medicine, Department of Community Medicine and Social Healthcare Science, Kobe University Graduate School of Medicine, Kobe, Japan.
| | - Yo Niida
- Division of Genomic Medicine, Department of Advanced Medicine, Medical Research Institute, Kanazawa Medical University, Uchinada, Japan
| | - Masashi Mizuguchi
- Department of Developmental Medical Sciences, Graduate School of Medicine, University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | | | - Yasuhiro Ueno
- Medical Examiner's Office of Hyogo Prefecture, Kobe, Japan; Division of Legal Medicine, Department of Community Medicine and Social Healthcare Science, Kobe University Graduate School of Medicine, Kobe, Japan
| | - Akiyoshi Nishimura
- Medical Examiner's Office of Hyogo Prefecture, Kobe, Japan; Department of Forensic Medicine, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Tokushima University Graduate School, Tokushima, Japan
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Bryant VA, Booth J, Palm L, Ashworth M, Jacques TS, Sebire NJ. Childhood neoplasms presenting at autopsy: A 20-year experience. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2017; 64. [PMID: 28164435 DOI: 10.1002/pbc.26474] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2016] [Revised: 01/05/2017] [Accepted: 01/06/2017] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The aims of the review are to establish the number of undiagnosed neoplasms presenting at autopsy in a single centre and to determine the incidence and most common causes of sudden unexpected death due to neoplasia in infancy and childhood (SUDNIC). DESIGN Retrospective observational study of paediatric autopsies performed on behalf of Her Majesty's Coroner over a 20-year period (1996-2015; n = 2,432). Neoplasms first diagnosed at autopsy were identified from an established database and cases meeting the criteria for sudden unexpected death were further categorised. RESULTS Thirteen previously undiagnosed neoplasms were identified, including five haematological malignancies, two medulloblastomas, two neuroblastomas, two cardiac tumours and two malignancies of renal origin. Eight cases met the criteria for SUDNIC (0.33% of autopsies), the commonest group of which were haematological malignancies (n = 3). CONCLUSIONS Neoplasms presenting as unexpected death in infancy and childhood and diagnosed at autopsy are rare. The findings suggest that haematological malignancies are the commonest cause of SUDNIC and highlight the importance of specialist autopsy in cases of sudden unexpected death.
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Affiliation(s)
- Victoria A Bryant
- UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children, London, UK
| | - John Booth
- Department of Paediatric Pathology, Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children, London, UK
| | - Liina Palm
- Department of Paediatric Pathology, Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children, London, UK
| | - Michael Ashworth
- Department of Paediatric Pathology, Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children, London, UK
| | - Thomas S Jacques
- UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children, London, UK.,Department of Paediatric Pathology, Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children, London, UK
| | - Neil J Sebire
- UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children, London, UK.,Department of Paediatric Pathology, Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children, London, UK
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Okazaki Y, Yamada S, Kitada S, Matsunaga I, Nogami E, Watanabe T, Sasaguri Y, Honma Y, Itou T. Significance of 18 F-FDG PET and immunohistochemical GLUT-1 expression for cardiac myxoma. Diagn Pathol 2014; 9:117. [PMID: 24934577 PMCID: PMC4077832 DOI: 10.1186/1746-1596-9-117] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2014] [Accepted: 05/21/2014] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Cardiac tumours are relatively rare and are difficult to diagnose merely with imaging techniques. We demonstrated an unusual case of left atrial myxoma, displaying the successful detection by positron emission tomography using 2-deoxy-2-[18 F] fluoro-D-glucose (18 F-FDG PET), correlated closely to more intense and enhanced immunoreactivity with glucose transporter-1 (GLUT-1) in a substantial number of cardiac myxoma cells. Further prospective studies are needed to validate the significance of 18 F-FDG PET findings for cardiac myxoma and the association with immunohistochemical GLUT-1 expression in its tumour cells, after collecting and investigating a larger number of surgical cases examined with both of them.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Sohsuke Yamada
- Department of Pathology and Cell Biology, School of Medicine, University of Occupational and Environmental Health, 1-1 Iseigaoka, Yahatanishi-ku, Kitakyushu 807-8555, Japan.
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Suzuki H, Tanifuji T, Abe N, Fukunaga T. Characteristics of sudden unexpected cancer deaths investigated by medical examiners in Tokyo, Japan (2009). J Epidemiol 2014; 24:141-5. [PMID: 24463959 PMCID: PMC3956693 DOI: 10.2188/jea.je20130087] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Annually, about 400 cases of sudden unexpected death are attributed to cancer in Tokyo, Japan. These individuals may have been undiagnosed, or their medical conditions may not have been carefully evaluated before death. We examined medical consultations, cancer diagnoses, and economic status of all cancer deaths investigated by medical examiners in 2009. Methods Among cases handled by the Tokyo Medical Examiner’s Office in 2009 (N = 12 493), records for all cases of cancer death (n = 400) were reviewed to determine the extent of medical care provided, diagnosis before death, and economic status of the decedent. Results Most of the decedents (n = 232; 58%) had received a diagnosis of terminal/advanced cancer during a medical consultation. Most did not receive such medical consultations at home, despite their very weak physical condition. However, nearly one quarter of decedents (24%; 95/400) had not received a cancer diagnosis before death. The proportions of decedents who had been indigent, received no medical consulting, and had colon cancer were significantly higher among undiagnosed cases than among diagnosed cases. Indigent persons were the largest subgroup (n = 19; 43%) among those who had never received a medical consultation (n = 44). In addition, the proportion of those who had discontinued or received no medical consultation was higher among indigent persons than among non-indigent persons. Conclusions The quality of medical services for cancer patients could be improved by educating general practitioners about terminal care, expanding efforts to monitor and diagnose cancer, especially among indigent patients, and increasing participation rates for colorectal cancer screening.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hideto Suzuki
- Tokyo Medical Examiner's Office, Tokyo Metropolitan Government
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Mecchia D, Casale V, Oneda R, Matturri L, Lavezzi AM. Sudden death of an infant with cardiac, nervous system and genetic involvement--a case report. Diagn Pathol 2013; 8:159. [PMID: 24053176 PMCID: PMC3852348 DOI: 10.1186/1746-1596-8-159] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2013] [Accepted: 09/13/2013] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract We present a case of sudden death of a 1-month-old male infant with heart, brainstem and genetic polymorphism involvement. Previously considered quite healthy, the child died suddenly and unexpectedly during sleep. The autopsy protocol included an in-depth anatomopathological examination of both the autonomic nervous system and the cardiac conduction system, and molecular analysis of the serotonin transporter gene promoter region, in which a specific genetic condition seems to be associated with sudden infant death. Histological examination revealed the presence of congenital cardiac alterations (hypertrophic cardiomyopathy and an accessory Mahaim fiber in the cardiac conduction system), severe hypodevelopment of all the raphe nuclei and a heterozygous genotype L/S related to the serotonin transporter gene. The sudden death of this infant was the unavoidable outcome of a complex series of congenital anomalies, each predisposing to SIDS. Virtual slides The virtual slide(s) for this article can be found here: http://www.diagnosticpathology.diagnomx.eu/vs/3480540091031788
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Affiliation(s)
- Donatella Mecchia
- "Lino Rossi" Research Center for the study and prevention of unexpected perinatal death and SIDS - Department of Biomedical, Surgical and Dental Sciences, University of Milan, Via della Commenda 19, Milan 20122, Italy.
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