Journal of forensic sciences
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The rate of seizure of illegally held silenced handguns has risen dramatically in recent years. Despite this, there are apparently no reports of wounds caused by these weapons. The efficiency, in terms of noise reduction, of silenced handguns is largely determined by construction, and homemade weapons are frequently more efficient than their commercially manufactured counterparts. ⋯ Examination of wound edges by energy-dispersive analysis of X-rays may demonstrate the presence of unusual elements, sometimes associated with components of the silencer. Also, inspection of recovered bullets with the naked eye may reveal damage indicative of modifications to the barrel or misalignment of the device. With these criteria it should be possible in many cases to support or refute the suggestion that a silenced weapon had been used to inflict a given wound.
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We present the results of our investigation of 220 electrocutions. The ratio of high voltage to low voltage electrocution is found to be nearly 1:1. Further, in low voltage electrocution deaths electrical burns were absent in over 40% of the cases. Our approach to the investigation of possible electrocution, including equipment analysis, is discussed.
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Projectile embolization into the intracranial arterial system is an extremely rare occurrence. Vessel size restricts the entrance of foreign bodies except those of small caliber such as shotgun pellets. Several cases of cervical neck and intracranial projectile emboli resulting from penetrating wounds of the neck and head have been reported. A case of pellet embolization into the intracranial segments of both internal carotid arteries following penetrating pellet wounds of the heart and ascending aorta is presented.
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Case Reports
Sudden death due to anomalous origin of the left coronary artery from the pulmonary trunk.
Anomalous origin of the left coronary artery from the pulmonary trunk is a rare congenital anomaly of the cardiovascular system. Most patients with this condition die during the first year of life without proper treatment. ⋯ However, in most of these cases minor symptoms are present such as a feeling of heaviness of the lower chest, mild chest pain, or some electrocardiographic changes. A sudden unexpected death because of this anomaly, in a previously healthy athletic 22 year old, is reported.
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A case report is given of a fatality resulting from caffeine intoxication associated with ingestion of an over-the-counter appetite suppressant. Caffeine is one of the drugs most readily available to the general public. Present in many beverages and over-the-counter compounds, caffeine has a relatively low toxicity. Fatalities from caffeine intoxication are rare, with seven cases previously reported in the English language literature.