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.

Background: Hand, foot and mouth disease (HFMD) is caused by enteroviruses such as Coxsackie virus A16 (CVA16) and Enterovirus 71 (EV71). The diagnostic hallmarks are oral ulcers and maculo-papular or vesicular rash on the hands and feet. Severe form of this disease can lead to death due to neurological and cardiopulmonary complications. This case report aims to describe a fatal case of HFMD with minimal oral and skin manifestations. Case report: A four-year-old girl was brought to a hospital after suddenly becoming unresponsive at home. She had a history of fever and lethargy for three days prior to her demise. The patient, and five other children in her neighbourhood had been diagnosed to have HFMD at a local health clinic; the other children had recovered without complications. Results: Autopsy revealed a few punctate, sub-epidermal vesicles measuring 1 to 2 mm on the palm of her right hand and sole of the right foot, visible only with a magnifying glass. Internal examination revealed prominent nodularity at the oro- and hypopharynxes. The lungs were markedly congested and oedematous. Histopathology of the lung showed marked oedema and haemorrhage with mild pneumonic changes. Oedema with increase in macroglia and astrocytic proliferation were seen in the cerebral tissue, but no lymphocytic infiltration was evident. Enterovirus EV71 was detected by polymerase chain reaction in samples from the lung, cerebrospinal fluid and serum. The cause of death was given as HFMD complicated by pneumonia. Conclusion: Fatal HFMD may have minimal signs. A complete history, careful physical examination and relevant investigations lead to a diagnosis at post mortem examination. Awareness of the subtle signs and rapid deterioration associated with a fatal case of HFMD is a challenge to clinicians who encounter these cases.