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Forensic Science, Medicine and Pathology

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01-09-2016 | Case Report

Postmortem computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging facilitates forensic autopsy in a fatal case of poisoning with formic acid, diphenhydramine, and ethanol

Authors: Florian Berger, Andrea E. Steuer, Katharina Rentsch, Dominic Gascho, Stamatios Stamou, Sarah Schärli, Michael J. Thali, Thomas Krämer, Patricia M. Flach

Published in: Forensic Science, Medicine and Pathology | Issue 3/2016

Abstract

A case of fatal poisoning by ingesting formic acid, diphenhydramine, and ethanol by a 25-year-old woman who committed suicide is presented. Prior to autopsy, postmortem computed tomography and postmortem magnetic resonance tomography were performed and revealed severe damage to the stomach, the left thoracic wall, and parts of the liver. Imaging detected acid-induced fluid–fluid level within the thoracic cavity (fat-equivalent fluid and necrotic pleural effusion). This case report illustrates that postmortem cross-sectional imaging may facilitate dissection of severely damaged or complex regions, and may provide additional information compared to autopsy and toxicological examinations alone.

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Title: Postmortem computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging facilitates forensic autopsy in a fatal case of poisoning with formic acid, diphenhydramine, and ethanol
Authors: Florian Berger
Andrea E. Steuer
Katharina Rentsch
Dominic Gascho
Stamatios Stamou
Sarah Schärli
Michael J. Thali
Thomas Krämer
Patricia M. Flach
Publication date: 01-09-2016
Publisher: Springer US
Published in: Forensic Science, Medicine and Pathology / Issue 3/2016
Print ISSN: 1547-769X
Electronic ISSN: 1556-2891
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12024-016-9797-6

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Postmortem computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging facilitates forensic autopsy in a fatal case of poisoning with formic acid, diphenhydramine, and ethanol

Abstract

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Abstract

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