417749

DECIPHERING THE MYSTERIES OF THE NECK: CASE SERIES ON DETERMINING THE CAUSE OF DEATH

Article

Last updated: 29 Mar 2025

Subjects

-

Tags

• Death Investigation and Causes of Death

Abstract

Background: Forensic pathologists encounter significant challenges during neck examinations owing to anatomical complexities, the presence of overlapping injury patterns, and the critical need to distinguish between injuries sustained before death and those resulting from postmortem changes. These challenges underscore the importance of developing more refined diagnostic techniques to accurately determine the cause of death.
Methodology: In this case series, the author describes three cases in which postmortem findings revealed unique characteristics. Case No. 1: The discovery of an unidentified male body near a farm exhibited signs of injury, such as abrasions and muscle-deep lacerations on the fingers, in addition to postmortem changes, such as greenish discoloration. Internal examination revealed diffuse blood extravasation in the neck muscles. Investigative findings at the scene, including disturbed ground and mud-covered electrical equipment, and histopathological findings, led to the determination of electrocution as the cause of death. Case No. 2: A 40-year-old male who died following an alleged assault presented with sutured facial wounds and neck contusions. Internal examination revealed significant neck blood extravasation, a fractured mandible, and tracheal blood accumulation. These findings indicated death due to blood inhalation secondary to mandibular fracture. Case No. 3: Examination of a 56-year-old male, retrieved from a canal with suspected foul play revealed external antemortem lacerations and abrasions on the face. Internally, contusions on the neck muscles and symptoms consistent with drowning were observed, confirming drowning as the cause of death. Discussion: This case series underscores the complexity of diagnosing neck bleeding in scenarios beyond asphyxiation or traumatic death, highlighting the need for meticulous evaluation to prevent misinterpretation. Conclusion: This study emphasizes the importance of enhancing forensic pathology practices through detailed case studies and systematic research, aiming to refine the approach for interpreting neck-related autopsy findings.

DOI

10.21608/ejfsat.2024.306993.1339

Keywords

Artefacts, strangulation, Electrocution, traumatic injuries, Forensic pathology

Authors

First Name

Srushti

Last Name

Shukla

MiddleName

-

Affiliation

Resident, Forensic Medicine & Toxicology, Pramukhswami Medical College & Sri Krishna Hospital, Bhaikaka University,Karamsad Gujarat

Email

dr.shuklasrushti@gmail.com

City

Anand

Orcid

-

First Name

Dhara

Last Name

Goswami

MiddleName

-

Affiliation

Forensic Medicine, Assistant Professor, Gujarat Adani Institute of Medical sciences, Kacch University, Bhuj, Gujarat

Email

dharad2810@gmail.com

City

Bhuj

Orcid

-

First Name

Preeti

Last Name

Tiwari

MiddleName

-

Affiliation

Community Medicine, Pramukhswami Medical College & Sri Krishna Hospital, Bhaikaka University, Karamsad, Gujarat.

Email

drpreetitiwari4@gmail.com

City

Anand

Orcid

-

First Name

Poorvi

Last Name

Moondra

MiddleName

-

Affiliation

MBBS Student, Government Medical College & Hospital, Kota, Rajasthan. India

Email

ashokmoondra21@gmail.com

City

Kota

Orcid

-

First Name

Pradip

Last Name

Rana

MiddleName

-

Affiliation

Forensic Medicine, Resident, Pramukhswami Medical College & Sri Krishna Hospital, Bhaikaka University, Karamsad Gujarat

Email

pradiprana82@gmail.com

City

Anand

Orcid

-

First Name

Darshan

Last Name

Galoria

MiddleName

-

Affiliation

Forensic Medicine, Resident, Pramukhswami Medical College & Sri Krishna Hospital, Karamsad Gujarat

Email

d.d.galoria@gmail.com

City

Anand

Orcid

-

First Name

Arijit

Last Name

Datta

MiddleName

-

Affiliation

Pramukhswami Medical College & Sri Krishna Hospital, Bhaikaka University, Karamsad

Email

arijitdatta18@gmail.com

City

Anand

Orcid

0000-0001-9153-3088

First Name

Swapnodeep

Last Name

Sarkar

MiddleName

-

Affiliation

Community Medicine, Assistant Professor, Nilratan Sircar Medical College, WBUHS, Kolkata

Email

sswapno22@gmail.com

City

-

Orcid

-

Volume

25

Article Issue

1

Related Issue

54517

Issue Date

2025-03-01

Receive Date

2024-07-28

Publish Date

2025-03-01

Page Start

1

Page End

7

Print ISSN

1687-0875

Online ISSN

2535-1915

Link

https://ejfsat.journals.ekb.eg/article_417749.html

Detail API

http://journals.ekb.eg?_action=service&article_code=417749

Order

417,749

Type

Case Reports

Type Code

448

Publication Type

Journal

Publication Title

The Egyptian Journal of Forensic Sciences and Applied Toxicology

Publication Link

https://ejfsat.journals.ekb.eg/

MainTitle

DECIPHERING THE MYSTERIES OF THE NECK: CASE SERIES ON DETERMINING THE CAUSE OF DEATH

Details

Type

Article

Created At

29 Mar 2025