Needles in the Lungs: An Autopsy Case of Pulmonary Ossification in a Putrefied Body
10.7580/kjlm.2022.46.2.51
- Author:
Young-Il PARK
1
;
Jin-Haeng HEO
;
Young San KO
;
Ho Suk SONG
;
Suk Hoon HAM
;
Joo-Young NA
Author Information
1. Forensic Medicine Division, National Forensic Service Busan Institute, Yangsan, Korea
- Publication Type:Brief Case Report
- From:Korean Journal of Legal Medicine
2022;46(2):51-54
- CountryRepublic of Korea
- Language:English
-
Abstract:
Forensic autopsy is performed to investigate a death. However, this is difficult in some cases, particularly in putrefied bodies. Pulmonary ossification is a rare pathological process, characterized by progressive and metaplastic ossification, which leads to the formation of small bony fragments in the pulmonary tissue. This condition can develop within the pulmonary tissues that are injured due to various causes. Metastatic and dystrophic calcification occur in normal tissues in conditions of deranged calcium metabolism and dead or degenerative tissue, respectively. Here, we describe the case of a 54-year-old man who lived alone and whose putrefied body was discovered by his landlord. A forensic pathologist identified needle-like sharp materials in both the lower lobes of the lungs during autopsy. Microscopic examination revealed dendriform pulmonary ossification with calcification. After autopsy, his medical history, including chronic kidney disease, was recorded by forensic pathologist. A review of his past medical history and comprehensive postmortem examination findings of the gross dissection, microscopic examination, and postmortem laboratory tests led to the determination of the cause of death as renal problems.
