A study of autopsy cases-viscera sample reports a retrospective study

Abstract

Analysis of viscera. i.e subjecting the internal organs, body fluids and secretions to Forensic Science lab is a part of routine procedure in complete autopsy. The viscera is sent to lab for detected of any poison or substance abuse eg. alcohol, organophosphorus poisoning. This retrospective study was conducted in Government Thoothukudi Medical College, Department of Forensic Medicine, during the period of Jan to March 2018. A total of 100 cases whose viscera samples sent to the forensic science lab were analyzed by perusing inquest reports, history of the case, autopsy findings, histopathology reports, and viscera reports. The data obtained from the study was analysed. 78 (78%) cases were males and 22(22%) cases were females. The maximum number of cases 21(21%) was seen in 31-40 years. Alleged history of poison ingestion was noted in 21(21%) cases, out of which poison was detected in 10(10%) cases only. The poison was not detected in 11 (11%)cases. with a history of sudden death in 35 cases out of which 9(9%) cases poison was detected. organophosphorus compounds were found in 11(11%) cases and ethyl alcohol was detected in 6(6%) cases. Paraphenylene diamine was detected in one case and cyanide was detected in one case(1%). Hence it is recommended to send the viscera samples to the lab in all cases of sudden deaths.