A fire death with a rare finding: anthracosis or soot embolism?
- Author:
Razuin Rahimi
;
Effat Omar
;
Shahidan Md Noor
- Publication Type:Case Reports
- Keywords:
charred body;
life existence;
anthracosis;
macrophages;
autopsy
- From:The Malaysian Journal of Pathology
2015;37(1):57-61
- CountryMalaysia
- Language:English
-
Abstract:
Charred human remains were found in the smoking ambers of a dying fire in an oil palm plantation
in Selangor, Malaysia in the midnight of January 28, 2013. Investigations showed that palm fronds
and rubber tires were used to light and sustain the blaze. At least four to five tires were estimated
to be used based on the residual burnt metal wires at the site. The remains were brought to the
Department of Forensic Medicine, Hospital Sungai Buloh, Selangor for post-mortem examination.
Pre-autopsy imaging showed a fractured skull with presence of a bullet in the head. The body
belonged to a male with unrecognizable facial features, pugilistic attitude, and reduced body size
caused by fire damage with sparing of the posterior surface. A large fracture was present at the
skull vault. An entry gunshot wound was observed on the left side of the body of mandible, which
was associated with base of skull fracture. Heat-related fractures were also noted on the right side
of the frontal bone. A projectile was retrieved from the right side of the occipital lobe. Further
examination showed presence of soot and hyperaemic larynx, trachea, main bronchi, and oesophagus.
Black spots measuring 1 to 2 mm were present on the surface and parenchyma of the heart, liver,
pancreas and kidneys. Histopathology examination showed black particles within the vessels in the
affected organs. We report this rare finding in a charred body and present a discussion based on
published literature on this issue.
- Full text:P020150915430276175132.pdf
