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Diffusion of Carbon Monoxide and Hydrogen Cyanide to Muscles and Blood-An Experimental Study

Jacek Baj1, Grzegorz Buszewicz2, Dominika Przygodzka2

  • 1Department of Human Anatomy, Medical University of Lublin, Jaczewskiego 4, 20-090 Lublin, Poland.

Toxics
|November 24, 2022
PubMed

Insights

Postmortem diffusion of carbon monoxide (CO) and hydrogen cyanide (HCN) was studied. The skin limited CO diffusion, while HCN diffused easily, with adipose tissue limiting both.

Area of Science:

  • Forensic Science
  • Toxicology
  • Postmortem Analysis

Background:

  • Accurate postmortem toxicological analysis is crucial for determining cause of death.
  • Understanding postmortem diffusion of substances like carbon monoxide (CO) and hydrogen cyanide (HCN) is vital for interpreting results.
  • Previous research has not fully elucidated the extent of CO and HCN diffusion in human cadavers under ambient conditions.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To assess postmortem diffusion of CO and HCN in a human cadaver model.
  • To determine the impact of this diffusion on the accurate measurement of HCN, carboxyhemoglobin (COHb), and carboxymyoglobin (COMb).
  • To evaluate the barrier effects of skin, adipose tissue, and thermal damage on CO and HCN diffusion.

Main Methods:

  • Human cadaver specimens (blood, musculocutaneous, muscle) were layered and placed in sealed chambers.
  • Specimens were exposed to CO and HCN for 24 hours under ambient conditions.
  • Carboxyhemoglobin (COHb) and carboxymyoglobin (COMb) were quantified using headspace gas chromatography (GC) with an O-FID detector.
  • Hydrogen cyanide (HCN) levels were measured using headspace GC with an NPD detector.

Main Results:

  • The skin significantly limited CO diffusion, with minimal penetration into underlying muscle and no effect on COHb levels in a 4.5 cm muscle layer.
  • Thermal damage (charring, coagulation) did not alter CO diffusion compared to intact skin.
  • Adipose tissue absence did not impede moderate CO diffusion into blood.
  • HCN readily diffused from skin to blood vessels.
  • Superficial muscular layer charring/coagulation enhanced HCN diffusion into tissues.
  • Adipose tissue significantly limited both CO and HCN diffusion into blood and muscles.

Conclusions:

  • Postmortem CO diffusion is substantially limited by the skin and adipose tissue.
  • HCN diffusion is less restricted by skin but significantly impeded by adipose tissue.
  • Thermal damage to tissues can enhance HCN diffusion.
  • These findings are critical for interpreting postmortem toxicological results for CO and HCN, highlighting the influence of tissue barriers and decomposition.

Keywords:
carboxyhemoglobincarboxymyoglobincombustion gas poisoninghydrogen cyanidepost-mortem diffusion

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