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Technical note: A histochemical approach in diagnosing hanging mechanical asphyxia on cadavers undergoing advanced
Francesca Maghin1, Salvatore A Andreola2, Michele Boracchi2
1Azienda Ospedaliera Spedali Civili di Brescia Piazzale Spedali Civili, Brescia, Italy.
The Medico-Legal Journal
|March 22, 2018
Summary
This study reveals a specialized staining technique for identifying signs of mechanical asphyxia in decomposed bodies. The Sandison solution and Resorcin-Fuchsin staining method effectively highlights elastic fiber compression, aiding forensic analysis.
Area of Science:
- Forensic Pathology
- Histology
- Toxicology
Background:
- Identifying cause of death in decomposed bodies presents significant forensic challenges.
- Cutaneous furrows, particularly those from mechanical asphyxia (e.g., hanging), can be obscured by putrefaction.
- Accurate histological assessment is crucial for corroborating ante-mortem findings.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate a novel histological protocol for visualizing cutaneous changes in putrefied corpses.
- To determine the efficacy of Sandison's solution and Resorcin-Fuchsin staining in highlighting elastic fiber compression indicative of mechanical asphyxia.
- To aid in forensic investigations where the cause of death is uncertain due to decomposition.
Main Methods:
- Two groups of cadavers were studied: those deceased by mechanical asphyxia (hanging) and others from different causes.
- Cutaneous samples were taken from the furrow in the hanging group and hypostatic areas in the control group.
- Specimens were divided for standard fixation or rehydration with Sandison's solution followed by formalin fixation.
- Staining with Hematoxylin and Eosin (H&E) and Resorcin-Fuchsin was performed.
Main Results:
- Standard formalin fixation and H&E staining produced significant artifacts, obscuring details.
- Sandison's solution followed by Resorcin-Fuchsin staining revealed compression of elastic fibers.
- Focal positivity for elastic fiber compression was observed in hanged corpses.
- Diffuse positivity was noted in the hypostatic areas of the control group.
Conclusions:
- The combination of Sandison's rehydrating solution and Resorcin-Fuchsin staining is superior for visualizing elastic fiber alterations in decomposed tissues.
- This method can enhance the detection of mechanical asphyxia indicators even in putrefied corpses, reducing diagnostic doubt.
- The technique offers a valuable tool for forensic pathologists in challenging cases.
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