NCJ Number
214486
Journal
Journal of Forensic Sciences Volume: 51 Issue: 3 Dated: May 2006 Pages: 493-497
Date Published
May 2006
Length
5 pages
Annotation
This article reports on the finding of the abnormal calcification (bone creation) of soft tissue during the autopsy of a 72-year-old man found dead in his home, as well as a review of the relevant English literature on this condition.
Abstract
The vertical calcified mass coincided with an abdominal scar, and no additional soft-tissue calcifications were found. Cause of death was determined to be high blood pressure and cardiovascular disease. The calcification was a secondary finding and was not viewed as a factor in the death; however, knowledge of the causes of such calcification of soft tissue may prove useful in identifying unknown deceased individuals who have such a condition. The review of the English literature from 1920 to the present shows that the reasons for the development of bone in abdominal incisions are unknown. Some tentative explanations offered in the literature are assessed. Only 185 reported cases of this condition were found in the literature. The calcification of soft tissue in the case of the 72-year-old man in the current cases was similar to cases previously reported, although the area of bone formation in the current case was larger than in previously reported cases. The review indicates that the condition is restricted to vertical incisions, has predominately occurred in males, usually presents within 1 year of the surgery that produced the incision, and varies significantly in size. 2 figures, 1 table, and 59 references