The American journal of forensic medicine and pathology
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A review of both deliberate and accidental anorectal trauma is presented. The mechanisms and types of injuries as well as the complications are discussed. Injuries resulting from sexual assaults are discussed in detail.
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This article presents two deaths due to acute carbon monoxide poisoning that occurred when charcoal-burning hibachis were used as heating sources in enclosed camping facilities. In both deaths, the levels of blood carbon monoxide saturation were at or slightly below the expected lethal level. ⋯ These cases illustrate the danger of using such heating sources in enclosed spaces, due to their carbon monoxide-generating capability. We suggest that suitable warnings be placed on the hibachis themselves.
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Forensic pathologists are often asked to estimate postinjury survival time and to render an opinion on the probable extent of physical activity following fatal injury. To study this question, the case files of the Dade County Medical Examiner's Office were reviewed. ⋯ The data were compared to those from a similar study done in 1961. In addition, this study noted the presence and influence of drugs or alcohol on the cause of death and the postinjury survival time.
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Am J Forensic Med Pathol · Dec 1987
A single fatal penetrating chest wound caused by a dagger-shaped fragment of broken door glass.
A 19-year-old woman ran against a glass door, and, breaking it, was struck in the left anterior chest by a single dagger-like fragment of broken door glass. This fragment deeply penetrated her chest and wounded the anterior wall of the left ventricle of her heart. She rapidly died from loss of blood. ⋯ While penetrating chest wounds occasionally result from fragments of glass, most severe and fatal wounds from glass result from one's falling into or through plate glass and sustaining wounds of the head, face, abdomen, or extremities. A single fatal wound from a dagger-shaped piece of glass is distinctly uncommon. To prevent such an accident from occurring, safety glass must be used in front doors of public institutions.