Postmortem bone marrow analysis in forensic science: study of 73 cases and review of the literature.

Abstract

In forensic sciences, bone marrow (BM) is an alternative matrix in postmortem toxicology because of its good resistance to autolysis and contaminations. Nevertheless, few studies have been focused on postmortem BM morphological changes after pathological stimuli. We examined 73 BM samples from forensic autopsies; causes of death were both natural and traumatic. BM samples were collected from the sternum by needle aspiration and biopsy; in selected cases, immunohistochemistry was performed. Few autolytic changes were found; BM cellularity decreased with increasing age and postmortem interval. Notable cell changes were detected in 45 cases (61.64%): neoplastic (n=4), and non-neoplastic BM findings (n=41), including multiorgan failure/sepsis (n=26), myelodisplastic-like conditions (n=11), and anaphylactic reactions (n=4). The results showed that BM cellularity supported circumstantial and autopsy findings, suggesting that BM samples could be a useful tool in forensic science applications


Autore Pugliese

Tutti gli autori

  • INGRAVALLO G.

Titolo volume/Rivista

Non Disponibile


Anno di pubblicazione

2014

ISSN

0379-0738

ISBN

Non Disponibile


Numero di citazioni Wos

8

Ultimo Aggiornamento Citazioni

Non Disponibile


Numero di citazioni Scopus

10

Ultimo Aggiornamento Citazioni

Non Disponibile


Settori ERC

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Codici ASJC

Non Disponibile