The American journal of forensic medicine and pathology
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Am J Forensic Med Pathol · Sep 2002
High-speed documented experimental gunshot to a skull-brain model and radiologic virtual autopsy.
The authors documented and evaluated experimental gunshots to a skull-brain model with high-speed photography and subsequent radiographic examination for comparison of the morphologic findings in the model. The artificial skull was a polyurethane ball constructed in layers, with a porous diploe sandwiched between a tabula externa and a tabula interna. The brain itself was simulated with gelatin 10% at 4 degrees C, a material well known in wound ballistics. ⋯ Thanks to the model and high-speed photographs, the dynamic development of the morphology of a gunshot wound could be documented and studied. The data from computed tomography, using two-dimensional and three-dimensional postprocessing with a perspective view, were very similar to those from classic head autopsy, but derived in a hands-off and nondestructive manner. This examination method leads the way to radiographic digital autopsy or virtual autopsy.
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Am J Forensic Med Pathol · Sep 2002
Suicide by self-immolation in Durban, South Africa: a five-year retrospective review.
Self-immolation is an uncommon method of suicide, and its occurrence in South Africa is thus far unknown. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of self-immolation deaths and to establish a profile of these cases and the circumstances under which this condition occurs. A 5-year (1996-2000) retrospective review at a mortuary in Durban, South Africa, was conducted. ⋯ All cases occurred indoors. The proportion of suicides due to self-immolation in our study is excessive when compared with international studies that report figures between 0.9% and 2.2% of suicides. Additional studies are necessary to further elucidate the reasons for this discrepancy.
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Suicide by helium inhalation inside a plastic bag has recently been publicized by right-to-die proponents in "how to" print and videotape materials. This article reports a suicide performed according to this new and highly lethal technique, which is also a potentially undetectable cause of death. Toxicology information could not determine helium inhalation, and drug screening did not reveal data of significance. ⋯ Helium inhalation can easily be concealed when interested parties remove or alter evidence. To ensure that their deaths are not documented as suicide, some individuals considering assisted suicide may choose helium methods and assistance from helpers. Recent challenges to Oregon's physician-assisted suicide law may increase interest in helium instead of barbiturates for assisted suicide.