Articles tagged with Autopsies
Research by Queensland University of Technology highlights the difficulties faced by police during death investigations, including emotional re-traumatization of bereaved families. Junior officers are often tasked with gathering evidence while comforting family members, leading to concerns about their preparation and cultural competence.
Researchers analyzed North Pacific killer-whale strandings, finding 88% fatal and 12% surviving, providing clues on species' overall life history, genetics, and health. The standardized necropsy system increased data collection from 2% to 33%, shedding light on the causes of death and human impact on orca populations.
A large-scale study found that minimally invasive MRI autopsies accurately determined the cause of death for 92% of fetuses and babies younger than one year. However, accuracy decreased for children aged 1-16 years, with only half of cases agreeing on cause of death. The study suggests that MRI may not detect infections in this age group.
The Journal of Forensic Radiology and Imaging aims to provide a cutting-edge communication platform for professionals developing and utilizing imaging techniques in forensic analysis. Research published in the journal covers topics such as imaging technologies, education, and best practices in forensic radiology and imaging.
A study published in the European Heart Journal found that relatives of young people who died suddenly from a heart-related problem are at greatly increased risk of developing cardiovascular disease. The study suggests that close relatives of these victims should be screened to detect those who would benefit from preventive treatment.
A new study published in Neurology suggests that emotional neglect in childhood is associated with a higher risk of stroke in adulthood. The study found that individuals who experienced moderately high levels of childhood emotional neglect were nearly three times more likely to develop a stroke than those with lower levels.
A recent study published in BMJ Quality & Safety found that misdiagnosis is alarmingly common in the ICU, with 28% of patients having at least one missed diagnosis at death. The most common fatal flaws included infections and vascular maladies, such as heart attack and stroke.
New research from the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation reveals that more than 1.2 million people died from malaria worldwide in 2010, with 42% of those deaths occurring in older children and adults. The study found that anti-malaria drugs and insecticide-treated bed nets have driven a rapid decline in mortality rates.
Despite virtual imaging advancements, traditional autopsies are still essential for determining cause of death. Current imaging technologies often miss common diagnoses when compared to autopsy findings.
Mayo Clinic researchers identified a gene responsible for hereditary diffuse leukoencephalopathy with spheroids (HDLS), a devastating brain disorder that leads to death between ages 40 and 60. The finding suggests HDLS may be more common than previously thought, allowing for genetic diagnosis without brain biopsy or autopsy.
A study found that post-mortem imaging can identify cause of death in two-thirds of cases, with CT being more accurate than MRI. However, common causes of sudden death are frequently missed, and further development is needed to address these weaknesses.
A new collection of research by IHME provides innovative automated tools for analyzing verbal autopsies, which can be used in countries without vital registration systems. The Random Forest method outperforms traditional physician review and is faster, cheaper, and more accurate.
Researchers discovered microscopic lesions in 30% of brains without diagnosed brain disease or stroke, linking small vessel disease to age-related decline. The study highlights the need for new diagnostic tools to capture these undetected cases and potentially mitigate their impact.
A study found that microscopic lesions in 30% of older brains without diagnosed disease could cause common signs of aging, such as slower walking and balance issues. The researchers suggest that undiagnosed small vessel disease needs additional tools for detection.
A new non-surgical post-mortem technique uses minimally invasive targeted coronary angiography to determine the cause of death in up to 80% of cases. The technique is inexpensive, easy to use, and applicable to natural and unnatural deaths, offering a potential permanent change in autopsy practice.
A study published in PLOS Medicine found that probabilistic models are as effective as physician reviews in establishing cause of death from verbal autopsy data. The models were more internally consistent and faster, with no differences in public health policy conclusions. This approach is recommended for incorporating death data into ...
A new research project at the University of Leicester aims to develop a reliable and cost-effective system for diagnosing coronary heart disease using CT scans. The technology will enable visualisation of coronary arteries in cadavers, making diagnoses comparable to current autopsy practice.
Researchers at Washington University found brain plaques in healthy individuals are associated with increased risk of Alzheimer's diagnosis years later. Annual cognitive tests and MRI scans revealed declining scores, shrinkage in affected brain areas, and eventual diagnosis.
Researchers found that postmortem genetic testing can identify mutations associated with SUD, allowing for targeted assessment and reduced costs. The study estimated a cost savings of $1 million per 150 cases, making it a more affordable option than comprehensive cardiac testing.
High-field post-mortem MRI is a reliable option for examining human fetuses after death, providing good images and better image quality than conventional MRI. Traditional autopsy did not provide superior diagnostic accuracy compared to high-field MRI in some cases.
Researchers found a strong association between congenital brain defects and preterm birth in a study of over 1,000 infant autopsies. Brain malformations were significantly associated with preterm birth, with certain types of malformations having stronger associations than others.
A study revealed that inherited heart disease was present in over 30% of families of sudden unexplained death (SUD) victims. The research found that cardiological and genetic examination of surviving first-degree relatives can reveal an inherited heart disease, allowing for treatment and prevention.
An autopsy study of 3,400 individuals found that small vessel damage accounts for 33% of dementia risk, surpassing Alzheimer's and Lewy Body diseases. This discovery underscores the importance of controlling hypertension and diabetes to protect brain health.
A study found that in sub-Saharan Africa, more women die from treatable infectious diseases like HIV/AIDS and malaria than from pregnancy-related complications. Effective treatment and prevention measures can greatly reduce maternal mortality rates.
Decades-long decline in coronary artery disease may have ended and possibly reversed after 2000, according to a study. The analysis of autopsy data from Olmsted County residents suggests that declines in high-grade disease ended after 1995 and possibly reversed after 2000.
A Mayo Clinic analysis of autopsy results over two decades reveals a long-term decline in coronary disease has ended, with some data suggesting an upward trend. The study's findings are based on the examination of 515 Olmsted County residents who died between 1981 and 2004.
Computed tomography (CT) autopsies have been shown to be a sensitive tool for detecting injuries and cause of death in victims of blunt trauma. In a study comparing CT with conventional autopsy, CT accurately identified the cause of death in all 14 blunt trauma cases and five out of six penetrating wounds.
Researchers developed new methods for estimating mortality fractions using vital registration data in Mexico, and a validation strategy for verbal autopsy data combining previous methods in China. These advancements improve health planning and prioritization in low-resource settings.
A study published in Radiology found that MDCT can aid forensics teams in determining if a person has drowned by demonstrating airway froth and sediment. The procedure may provide support for the diagnosis of drowning when other causes have been excluded.
Autopsies continue to reveal major pre-death diagnostic errors in around 30% of cases, highlighting their importance in improving national mortality data. The procedure also teaches valuable lessons about the inherent uncertainty in medical practice and is integral to training and development for doctors.
A Mayo Clinic research study found that over one-third of young people who died suddenly and inexplicably had genetic heart defects. The defects were caused by mutations that impair the heart's rhythm center, leading to conditions such as Long QT syndrome and catecholaminergic polymorphic ventricular tachycardia.
A new investigation into Napoleon's cause of death reveals that he died of a very advanced case of gastric cancer stemming from an ulcer-causing bacterial infection. The analysis suggests that gastrointestinal bleeding was the likely immediate cause of death and points to a poor prognosis for patients with such advanced cancer.
Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh's Simmons Center have developed a warm autopsy program for studying pulmonary fibrosis, allowing them to compare tissue samples from biopsies and organs retrieved soon after death. This approach may help understand IPF mechanisms and lead to new treatments.
Research highlights the threat of biological diversity loss to human health, citing Lyme disease and West Nile virus as examples. A rapid autopsy program for a rare lung disease called interstitial pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) also improves medical research outcomes.
The Mayo Clinic study found that brains of people with mild cognitive impairment showed structural changes similar to Alzheimer's disease, but not as severe. The researchers believe this transitional state may indicate a person is on the road to developing Alzheimer's.
A study of 700 autopsy cases found that retinal hemorrhages occur more frequently than initially thought and are not always indicative of child abuse. The research suggests that doctors should consider other possibilities when evaluating children with retinal hemorrhages, rather than automatically diagnosing abuse.
A study of 1,492 ICU patients found that major discrepancies between clinical and autopsy diagnoses exist, with up to 31.7% of cases identified as having major diagnostic errors. Autopsies also revealed missed diagnoses, including cancers, strokes, and heart attacks, which could have changed management and potentially saved lives.
The virtual autopsy combines CT and MR imaging to provide detailed information about trauma injuries and soft tissue. This technology can also be used in situations where traditional autopsy is not feasible due to religious or family objections.
A study at Royal Hallamshire Hospital found that most death certificates were completed by junior medical staff, with only a third issued by senior members. Necropsy rates have declined since 1993, raising concerns about the impact of recent 'organ retention scandal'.
Scientists have successfully reproduced Hirano bodies in the lab using a novel method, opening doors to new studies of these structures. The discovery suggests that Hirano bodies may play a role in various diseases, including Alzheimer's, and could provide a key tool for investigations.
Researchers at UC Davis successfully cloned the first calf using a skin cell from an adult cow, but unfortunately, the calf died just three days after birth. The cloning technique holds promise for improving meat and milk production, with ongoing research aiming to overcome existing challenges.
A Mayo Clinic study highlights the importance of autopsy in diagnosing Parkinson's disease, suggesting low autopsy rates and nonrandom patterns may skew research findings. The study analyzed 235 deceased patients with parkinsonism diagnoses, revealing important factors influencing autopsy decisions.