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A Rare Phenomenon of Natural Precocious Mummification
Biliana Mileva1, Ivan Tsranchev2, Mihaela Georgieva1
1Department of Forensic Medicine and Deontology, Medical University Sofia, Sofia, BGR.
Abstract:
Immediately after death, specific changes occur in the human body, leading to the total dissolution of the soft tissues and internal organs. In some cases, when in suitable conditions, the decomposition process could stop and be displaced by mummification. The last one is time-consuming and needs several weeks to months to set in completely. We present a case of a 34-year-old man found dead 16 days after being last seen alive in a stage of complete mummification. Natural mummification occurring in less than one month is termed precocious mummification and is rarely observed in temperate regions. With only a few cases reported globally, this case is essential for the forensic community. It will help better know the mummification processes and estimate the time since death.

