Internal Examination

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Opening & Initial Survey - The Grand Reveal

  • Primary Incisions:
    • I-Shaped: Midline, sternal notch to pubic symphysis. Simple, quick.
    • Y-Shaped (common): Bilateral from acromion processes to xiphoid, then midline to pubis. Better chest exposure.
    • Modified Y: Extends Y-incision superiorly for detailed neck dissection.
  • Cavity Opening & Initial Survey:
    • Standard Sequence: Thorax → Abdomen → Pelvis. Skin reflected, muscles cut, cavities opened.
    • Cranium: Intermastoid (coronal) incision. Usually after body cavities, unless suspected air embolism or acute head injury (then opened first).
    • In-situ Examination: Systematically observe for free fluids. While 50ml of hemoperitoneum is notable, significance varies based on context, cavity type, and overall clinical picture. Document volume, color, consistency of all free fluids, adhesions, organ positions, and gross abnormalities before disturbance.

⭐ Rokitansky method (en-masse organ removal) is the most common technique used in India for medicolegal autopsies under BNS framework.

Thoracic & Abdominal Organs - Core Checkup

  • General: In-situ inspection. Organ removal (Rokitansky, Virchow). Note effusions (pleural, pericardial, peritoneal), adhesions.
  • Heart (Wt: M 300-350g, F 250-300g):
    • Size, chambers, valves.
    • Coronary arteries (stenosis, thrombi).
    • Myocardium (infarcts, hypertrophy). Pericardial sac.
  • Lungs (Wt: R > L, each ~450-550g):
    • Consistency, crepitus.
    • Pleura, cut surface (congestion, edema, consolidation, emboli).
    • Tracheobronchial tree (contents, mucosa).
  • Liver (Wt: 1400-1600g):
    • Consistency, color.
    • Capsule, cut surface (steatosis, cirrhosis, necrosis). Gallbladder.
  • Spleen (Wt: ~150g):
    • Consistency. Cut surface (follicles, pulp).
  • Kidneys (Wt: ~150g each):
    • Capsule (stripping). Cortex, medulla, pelvicalyceal system.
  • Stomach & Intestines:
    • Contents (volume, nature, odor - 📌 "Poisons?").
    • Mucosa (ulcers, petechiae, inflammation, tumors).

⭐ Presence of fine, white, lathery froth (sometimes blood-tinged) in the nostrils, mouth, larynx, trachea, and bronchi is a characteristic finding in drowning cases (indicative of vital reaction).

Head, Neck & Pelvis - Top to Bottom

  • Head:
    • Scalp: Bruises (Battle's sign, Raccoon eyes), wounds.
    • Skull: Fractures (depressed, linear, comminuted, ring).
    • Brain: Meningeal hemorrhages (extradural, subdural, subarachnoid), edema, contusions, petechiae (asphyxia).
      • Modern imaging: CT scans and 3D reconstruction for complex head injuries.
  • Neck: (Crucial for asphyxial deaths)
    • External: Ligature marks, abrasions, bruises.
    • Internal: Layered dissection.
      • Hyoid bone & laryngeal cartilages: Fractures. (📌 Hyoid fracture common in strangulation but absence doesn't rule out strangulation).
      • Strap muscles: Hemorrhage.
      • Carotid arteries: Intimal tears.
  • Pelvis:
    • Comprehensive SAMFE: Sexual assault medical forensic examination with victim-centered, trauma-informed approach.
    • External genitalia: Detailed injury documentation, biological samples for DNA analysis.
    • Internal organs: Bladder (rupture, urine for toxicology), uterus/adnexa, prostate, rectum.
      • Advanced techniques: Consider both visible/non-visible injuries, advanced imaging where appropriate.

⭐ Fracture of the hyoid bone is seen in ~30-50% of manual strangulation cases but less commonly in hangings. Age matters: Less common in younger individuals due to cartilaginous nature.

Ancillary Procedures & Sampling - Evidence Gathering

Supports gross findings; aids cause/manner of death determination.

  • Histopathology: Key tissues (e.g., MI, injury sites) in 10% neutral buffered formalin.
  • Toxicology: Viscera (stomach, liver, kidney), blood (10-20 ml), urine.

    ⭐ For suspected poisoning, refrigeration is the preferred method for preserving viscera; freezing if refrigeration unavailable. Chemical preservatives like saturated saline or rectified spirit should only be used as last resort due to potential analytical interference.

  • Microbiology: Sterile swabs/fluids (infected sites, CSF) for culture.
  • Vitreous Humor: PM chemistry (glucose, urea, K+, alcohol).
  • DNA: Blood (EDTA), deep muscle, bone marrow, teeth, hair follicles for DNA analysis.
  • Maintain strict chain of custody per BNSS provisions.

High‑Yield Points - ⚡ Biggest Takeaways

  • Modified autopsy methods combining Rokitansky and Virchow techniques are preferred; regional dissection tailored to case circumstances per modern standards.
  • Heart blood: Collect from peripheral sites (femoral vein) for toxicology when possible; sterile collection from any major vessel for microbiology.
  • Stomach: Examine contents, apply double ligatures before removal.
  • Brain: Check weight, edema, hemorrhage, herniation.
  • Lungs: Assess for edema, embolism, foreign bodies in airways.
  • Vitreous humor: Key for postmortem biochemistry (e.g., glucose, electrolytes, alcohol).
  • Preservatives: Refrigeration or volatile substances for chemical analysis (viscera), 10% formalin for histopathology.

Practice Questions: Internal Examination

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Autopsy finding after 24 hours in a case of death due to myocardial infarction is

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What is the most superior form of inquest?_____

Medical examiner's system

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