The American journal of forensic medicine and pathology
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Imported fire ants (Solenopsis invicta and Solenopsis richteri) are the source of a potentially lethal environmental hazard in the southeastern United States. Because of their resistance to natural and chemical control, fire ants can overwhelm their environment, causing destruction of land and animals. Fire ants can also cause a variety of health problems in humans, ranging from simple stings to anaphylaxis and death. ⋯ Postmortem blood samples were positive for imported fire ant venom-specific IgE antibodies (5654 ng/ml) and tryptase (12 ng/ml). Deaths caused by imported fire ant stings are rare but are likely to become more common as the fire ant population expands. In this report, we review deaths due to fire ant stings, discuss postmortem laboratory findings, and stress the importance of recognizing the characteristic skin lesions produced by fire ants.
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Am J Forensic Med Pathol · Jun 1998
Case ReportsFatal automobile crash caused by cerebral toxoplasmosis.
An unusual case of cerebral toxoplasmosis leading to a fatal vehicular crash is presented. Massive intracerebral hemorrhage, a rare complication of cerebral toxoplasmosis in persons with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS), caused sudden onset of increased intracranial pressure that led to loss of control of the vehicle and an ensuing fatal traffic crash.
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Accidental, suicidal, and homicidal injuries have been caused by arrows fired from crossbows. To our knowledge, a case of suicide using a full-size compound bow to fire a projectile has not been reported in the English literature. ⋯ The mechanism of injury is discussed. When dealing with a longbow-related fatality, examination of the weaponry used and reenactment of the fatal methodology are critical in determining whether self-inflicted injury is a probability.
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Am J Forensic Med Pathol · Dec 1997
The MEN frangible: study of a new bullet in gelatin. Metallwerk Elisenhütte Nassau.
Experimental gunshots were made with 9 x 19 mm (9-mm Luger) Frangible ammunition using skin, gelatin, and bones as targets. Direct gunshots penetrated 50 cm into gelatin blocks without mushrooming or fragmentation. Skull bone was easily perforated. ⋯ Gunshots perforating tibias produced comminuted fractures. In all soft tissues, except the direct gunshots into gelatin, high-resolution radiography revealed many metallic fragments along the bullet path. Clinical radiography can show the larger copper fragments, but the explosion-like distribution of metallic foreign bodies in soft tissue is a serious surgical problem.
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Am J Forensic Med Pathol · Sep 1997
Case ReportsVehicular accidents and cardiac concussion. A traumatic connection.
Concussion of the heart (commotio cordis) occurs in traffic accidents in which blunt force impact over the precordial area occurs, even in the absence of multiple blunt force injuries. The functional dynamics of the heart, with ventricular arrythmias and conduction disturbances, serve as the pathophysiological basis of this condition. As a cause of death in vehicular accidents, it is less common than other causes. However, it should be considered in the differential diagnosis, especially in cases with minor or no apparent injuries.