Journal of Forensic and Legal Medicine
Volume 15, Issue 5 , Pages 325-328, July 2008

The value of subendocardial haemorrhages as an indicator of exsanguination and brain injury – A retrospective forensic autopsy study

  • T. Plattner, MD (Senior Physician of Forensic Pathology)

      Affiliations

    • Institute of Forensic Medicine, University of Berne, Buehlstrasse 20, 3012 Berne, Switzerland
    • Corresponding Author InformationCorresponding author. Tel.: +41 31 631 84 11; fax: +41 31 631 38 33.
    • ,
  • K. Yen, MD (Head of Forensic Pathology)

      Affiliations

    • Centre for Theoretical-Clinical Medicine, Medical University Graz, Forensic Anatomical and Pathological Imaging, Harrachgasse 21, 8010 Graz, Austria
    • ,
  • U. Zollinger, MD (Director)

      Affiliations

    • Institute of Forensic Medicine, University of Berne, Buehlstrasse 20, 3012 Berne, Switzerland

Received 29 May 2007; received in revised form 19 September 2007; accepted 31 December 2007.

Abstract 

Introduction

Subendocardial hemorrhages (SE) have been associated with multiple causes of violent and non violent deaths in forensic autopsies such as fatal exsanguination, brain injury and intoxications.

Methods

The presented retrospective study investigates the overall incidence and various causes by an analysis of a total of 1331 forensic autopsies based on autopsy reports.

Results

The results show that head injury and significant blood loss alone or in combination are the main mechanisms of death associated with SE. The incidences of SE were 50% in exsanguination, 80% in combined exsanguination and head injury, and 31% in solitary head trauma.

Discussion

On the basis of the study results it can be concluded, that SE are important indicative signs for both fatal exsanguination and brain injury at medico-legal autopsies.

Keywords: Subendocardial haemorrhage, Exsanguination, Brain trauma

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PII: S1752-928X(08)00007-3

doi:10.1016/j.jflm.2007.12.019

Journal of Forensic and Legal Medicine
Volume 15, Issue 5 , Pages 325-328, July 2008

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