Value of the serum thyroglobulin level for diagnosing neck compression in postmortem cases

Area of Science:

• Forensic Pathology
• Biochemistry

Background:

• Thyroglobulin (Tg) is a protein produced by the thyroid gland.
• Elevated postmortem blood Tg levels are often attributed to mechanical compression of the thyroid gland.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the relationship between postmortem blood thyroglobulin (Tg) levels and neck compression in autopsy cases.
• To determine if neck compression is a reliable indicator of elevated Tg levels.

Main Methods:

• Blood thyroglobulin (Tg) levels were measured in right cardiac blood from 256 autopsy cases using chemiluminescence immunoassay.
• Cases were categorized based on confirmed neck compression and Tg levels (≥200 ng/mL vs. <200 ng/mL).

Main Results:

• No significant difference in mean Tg levels was observed between cases with and without neck compression.
• A significantly higher frequency of neck compression was found in cases with Tg levels ≥200 ng/mL (P < 0.05).
• High Tg levels (≥200 ng/mL) were more frequent in cases of death due to neck compression or asphyxia.

Conclusions:

• While high Tg levels may be associated with neck compression, they are not exclusively indicative of it.
• Elevated postmortem Tg levels can occur without neck compression, necessitating careful interpretation of autopsy findings.
• Neck compression diagnosis should integrate multiple autopsy findings and contextual information.