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Pulmonary giant cells and traumatic asphyxia
P Betz1, G Beier, W Eisenmenger
1Department of Legal Medicine, University of Munich, Germany.
International Journal of Legal Medicine
|January 1, 1994
Summary
Pulmonary polynuclear giant cells are not a reliable indicator of asphyxiation. Morphometrical analysis showed similar cell counts in asphyxiated individuals and controls, regardless of age or smoking status.
Area of Science:
- Forensic Pathology
- Histology
- Pulmonary Medicine
Background:
- Pulmonary polynuclear giant cells are multinucleated macrophages found in lung tissue.
- Their presence has been suggested as a potential histological marker for asphyxiation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the diagnostic significance of pulmonary polynuclear giant cells in cases of asphyxiation.
- To compare the incidence of these cells in asphyxiated individuals versus control groups.
Main Methods:
- Morphometrical analysis of lung tissue from 13 cases of strangulation, 8 cases of traumatic asphyxia, and 10 controls.
- Quantification of alveolar macrophages and polynuclear giant cells per microscopic field.
- Statistical evaluation of cell counts, considering age and smoking status.
Main Results:
- Significant individual variation in cell counts was observed across all groups.
- A tendency towards higher cell numbers was noted in smokers and older individuals.
- No statistically significant differences were found in polynuclear giant cell content between asphyxiated and control groups.
Conclusions:
- Pulmonary polynuclear giant cells are present in similar quantities in both asphyxiated and non-asphyxiated individuals.
- The detection of polynuclear giant cells cannot reliably indicate asphyxiation as a cause of death.