Analysis on forensic pathology of water intoxication: A review

Post-mortem diagnosis of water intoxication should be confirmed through analysis during an autopsy. Demonstrating typical tissue changes in accordance with the clinical history is useful for assessing the reliability of a hyperhydrated state. A review of current literature on autopsy cases involving excessive liquid intake was conducted, and a definition of pathological death due to water intoxication is proposed. Analyzed cases revealed general cerebral and lung abnormalities along with significant right ventricular heart dilation. Histological findings included neuronal degeneration characterized by lax core chromatin, enlarged nerve cells, and perivascular spaces, often associated with neuronal necrosis. Cardiac findings included the absence of cardiomyocyte striations and vacuolation of cardiomyocytes. Post-mortem blood examination (n = 5) showed a mean ± SD serum sodium concentration of 90.4 ± 12.8 mmol/L (Median = 85, IQR = 20.5; IQ1-3 = 81.5-102). Post-mortem blood sodium level appears to be a specific marker of recent excessive liquid intake. Post-mortem examination is necessary to evaluate the effects of electrolyte imbalance in cases of an anarcatic state.