NCJ Number
242539
Journal
Journal of Forensic Sciences Volume: 57 Issue: 6 Dated: November 2012 Pages: 1665-1668
Date Published
November 2012
Length
4 pages
Annotation
This study present the forensic neuropathologic analysis of an exhumed decomposed brain following long-term interment in a 50-year-old White woman, who had been buried for 34 months.
Abstract
The researchers present the forensic neuropathologic analysis of an exhumed decomposed brain following long-term interment in a 50-year-old White woman, who had been buried for 34 months. Next of kin authorized exhumation of the body for an autopsy to determine the cause of death. The embalmed body was anatomically intact and revealed decompositional changes with mold colonies. Internal viscera showed intact histomorphology. The brain revealed diffuse congestive swelling and extracellular edema with dissecting parenchymal hemorrhage and hematoma originating from the left putamen and thalamus and extending to the left lateral ventricle. Excitotoxic neuronal injury as well as penumbric parenchymal changes was noted. Cause of death was determined to be a hypertensive cerebral parenchymal hemorrhage. This case and our previously reported case are sentinel cases, which should encourage and guide the forensic neuropathologic work-up and investigation of causes of death in spite of long-term burial in deep graves. Abstract published by arrangement with John Wiley & Sons.