[Method of autopsy study of thalamus and basal nuclei]

Thalamus and basal nuclei are deep structures of the brain which play a crucial role in regulating consciousness level. Traumatic injuries in them occur in craniocerebral injury (CCI), post-traumatic alterations - at the 2nd stage of dislocation syndrome. Non-traumatic hemorrhages are most often located in these structures. The existing methods of the brain autopsy study have not been effective enough for their focused detailed examination.

To develop the rational and effective method of thalamus and basal nuclei autopsy examination for identification of pathomorphological changes and their characteristics.

The brain of 42 males and 31 females aged 18-65 years who died due to CCI at different times of post-traumatic period, as well as 22 males and 25 females aged 35-68 years who died due to various causes of non-violent death, was examined according to autopsy data. The cases were divided into 2 groups for study of the thalamus and basal nuclei: in the 1st group (69 observations) the brain was examined by traditional methods (Virchow, Pitre, Fisher), in the 2nd group (51 observations) - by own developed method.

In the 1st study group hemorrhages in thalamus were found in 15% of cases, in basal nuclei - in 12%, in the 2nd group -hemorrhages in thalamus were identified in 32%, in basal nuclei - in 21% of observations. The application of newly developed method of thalamus and basal nuclei autopsy examination has shown its advisability and efficacy.

The method of autopsy study of the thalamus and basal nuclei has been developed and proposed for practice that will allow to increase the objectivity and evidence of forensic medical examination of the corpse.