Autopsy - 1  ( Autopsy)
Description:  Autopsy - Homicide - Blunt force cranial trauma

EXTERNAL EXAMINATION - SUMMARY,The body is presented in a black body bag. At the time of examination, the body is clothed in a long-sleeved red cotton thermal shirt, khaki twill cargo pants, and one black shoe.,The body is that of a normally developed, well nourished Caucasian female measuring 63 inches in length, weighing 114 pounds, and appearing generally consistent with the stated age of thirty-five years. The body is cold and unembalmed with declining rigor. Pronounced unblanching lividity is present on the posterior of the body in the regions of the feet; the upper thighs, particularly on the right side; the lower back, particularly on the right side; the right arm; and the neck.,The scalp is covered by long (16 inches) brown hair. The body hair is female and average. The skull is symmetric and evidences extensive trauma in the occipital region. The eyes are open and the irises are blue. Pupils are asymmetrically dilated. The teeth are natural and well maintained. The anterior chest is of normal contour and is intact. The breasts are female and contain no palpable masses. The abdomen is flat and the pelvis is intact. The external genitalia are female and unremarkable. The back is symmetrical and intact. The upper and lower extremities are symmetric, normally developed and intact. The hands and nails are clean and evidence no injury.,There are no residual scars, markings or tattoos.,INTERNAL EXAMINATION - SUMMARY,CENTRAL NERVOUS SYSTEM: ,The brain weighs 1,303 grams and is within normal limits. ,SKELETAL SYSTEM:, Subdural hematoma and comminuted fractures of the occipital bone are observed. Numerous bone fragments from the fractures penetrated the brain tissue. ,RESPIRATORY SYSTEM--THROAT STRUCTURES: ,The oral cavity shows no lesions. The mucosa is intact and there are no injuries to the lips, teeth or gums. There is no obstruction of the airway. The mucosa of the epiglottis, glottis, piriform sinuses, trachea and major bronchi are anatomic. No injuries are seen and there are no mucosal lesions. The lungs weigh: right, 355 grams; left 362 grams. The lungs are unremarkable. ,CARDIOVASCULAR SYSTEM:, The heart weighs 253 grams, and has a normal size and configuration. No evidence of atherosclerosis is present. ,GASTROINTESTINAL SYSTEM: ,The mucosa and wall of the esophagus are intact and gray-pink, without lesions or injuries. The gastric mucosa is intact and pink without injury. Approximately 125 ml of partially digested semisolid food is found in the stomach. The mucosa of the duodenum, jejunum, ileum, colon and rectum are intact. ,URINARY SYSTEM:, The kidneys weigh: left, 115 grams; right, 113 grams. The kidneys are anatomic in size, shape and location and are without lesions. ,FEMALE GENITAL SYSTEM: ,The structures are within normal limits. Examination of the pelvic area indicates the victim had not given birth and was not pregnant at the time of death. Vaginal fluid samples are removed for analysis. ,DESCRIPTION OF INJURIES - SUMMARY,Blunt force traumatic injury with multiple cranial fractures resulting in craniocerebral injury. Wound measures approximately 4 inches high x 5 1/2 inches wide. Subdural hematoma and comminuted fractures of the occipital bone are observed. Numerous bone fragments from the fractures penetrated the brain tissue. Depths of penetration range from 1/2-inch to 3 inches. Injury appears to have resulted from a single blow administered to the posterior of the head, delivered at an approximate 90º angle to the occipital bone.,LABORATORY DATA,CEREBROSPINAL FLUID CULTURE AND SENSITIVITY:,Gram stain: Unremarkable,Culture: No growth after 72 hours,CEREBROSPINAL FLUID BACTERIAL ANTIGENS:,Hemophilus influenza B: Negative,Streptococcus pneumoniae: Negative,N. Meningitidis: Negative,Neiserria meningitidis B/E. Coli K1: Negative ,PRELIMINARY TOXICOLOGICAL RESULTS:,BLOOD  -  ETHANOL  -  NEG ,BLOOD  -  CANNABINOIDS-ETS  -  INC,BLOOD  -  COCAINE-ETS  -  INC,BLOOD  -  OPIATES-ETS  -  INC,BLOOD  -  AMPHETAMINE-ETS  -  INC,BLOOD  -  BARBITURATE -ETS  -  INC,BLOOD  -  BENZODIAZEPINE-ETS  -  INC,BLOOD  -  METHADONE-ETS  -  INC,BLOOD  -  PCP-ETS  -  INC,BLOOD  -  CARBON MONOXIDE  -  NEG,Urine Drugs: Initial test results inconclusive. Further tests pending. ,EVIDENCE COLLECTED,1. Samples of Blood (type O+), Urine, Bile, and Tissue (heart, lung, brain, kidney, liver, spleen). ,2. Thirteen autopsy photographs. ,3. Two postmortem x-rays. ,Clothing transferred to ABC Lab for further analysis.