postmortem changes-forensics

POST-MORTEM CHANGESSEMINAR, 25TH AUG 2008

DR Nikhil BansalJ.N.M.C.,Wardha

Overview

Death Definition and Type Classification Time Since Death Different Changes After Death

Death

o Total irreversible cessation of cerebral function, spontaneous function of respiratory system and circulatory system.

o The medico legal study of death falls with in the unit of forensic science.

Types of Death – Somatic Death

The term death as commonly employed means somatic death

It is due to complete and irreversible cessation of vital function of brain followed by cessation of function of heart & lungs.

Signs of Somatic Death (Immediate)

Cellular/Molecular Death

After somatic death tissue & cells survive for a varying period depending on the O2 requirement.

When these individual tissues & cell die, it is termed as cellular molecular death.

It is generally complete in 3-4 hours of somatic death.

Signs of Molecular Death

Time Since Death & Body Condition

Time Since Death Body Condition

Less than 1 hr Body warm

3 hrs Patchy post-mortem lividity

6-8 hrs Lividity fully developed & fix

12 hrs • Rigor present all over

• Green patches over Caecum

24-36 hrs • Body cold and rigor recceds• Ova of flies seen• Green discolouration – adbo, chest• Abdo distend with gas

48 hrs • Trunk bloated• Face decolouration• Swollen blister present• Moving maggots seen

Time Since Death & Body Condition

Time Since Death Body Condition

72 hrs • Whole body discoloured• Hair and nail loss• Tissue soft and discolourised

1 week Soft viscera putrefied

2 weeks Only the more resistant viscera distinguishable

1-3 months Body is skeletonized

Changes After Death (Early Signs)

Rigor Mortis:-

Cadaveric Spasm:-

Changes After Death (Late Signs)

Putrefaction:-

Adipocere Formation:-

Mummification:-

Thanks!17

Seminar on Post-mortem Changes by Dr Nikhil Bansal