Biomedical subjects
Publications and source records attributed to J L McClain.
A variety of postmortem and antemortem defects may be misinterpreted as gunshot wounds. In this paper, we present an additional series of lesions that simulate gunshot wounds. We briefly discuss each case, emphasizing various aspects of the scene investigation, clinical correlation and autopsy that are important in each case.
A variety of postmortem and antemortem defects can be misinterpreted as true antemortem injuries. In this paper, we present a collection of six cases with defects which simulate gunshot wounds. We briefly discuss each case and emphasize the importance of scene investigation, clinical correlation and careful examination in such cases.
On October 20, 1987, a military reserve aircraft lost power during a transcontinental flight and attempted an emergency landing at The Indianapolis International Airport. The pilot ejected and the disabled and pilotless aircraft struck a bank building. It then skidded across the street and entered the lobby of The Airport Ramada Inn where it exploded. This incident was unusual in that the fatal injuries occurred in individuals on the ground and not in the occupant of the aircraft. Seven people were killed in the lobby area and two were trapped in a laundry where they died of smoke inhalation. A tenth person died of burns ten days later. Minor injuries were reported among four hotel guests, two firefighters and the Air Force pilot. A multiagency mass disaster-plan had been formulated and rehearsed in preparation for the Panamerican Games, which had been held in Indianapolis in August 1987. A number of volunteers arrived before a security perimeter was established. They began an undocumented removal of the bodies from the scene and were about to remove valuables for "safekeeping" when stopped by coroners' office personnel. Fatalities resulted from smoke inhalation, burns or a combination. Bodies were identified by a combination of dental records, personal effects and visual means within 24 hours. The problems encountered in managing this disaster scene will also be compared with previously reported incidents.
Natural disease being mistaken for child abuse is rare. A two-year-old child was found unresponsive at home and transported to a local hospital, where she expired in the emergency room. Several cutaneous contusions were observed. Prior to the autopsy it was learned that an anonymous report of "child abuse" had been previously filed concerning this child. At autopsy there were multiple metasynchronous cutaneous contusions, but no radiologic or gross evidence of other injuries. A pericardial effusion, massive hepatosplenomegaly and generalized lymphadenopathy were apparent. The bone marrow, liver, spleen, lymph nodes, kidneys, pancreas, heart, stomach, and dura mater showed a monotonous lymphocytic infiltrate. Immunocytochemical studies confirmed the diagnosis of acute lymphoblastic leukemia of childhood. This case reaffirms the need for an objective examination of all cases by a forensic pathologist.
Discovery of a concealed body often leads to the assumption that the manner of death was homicide. However, in cases where death has resulted from illicit drug use or drug abuse, the body may be concealed to protect persons involved in drug abuse or drug marketing.
A group of four illegal aliens had been without food for several days when they found a group of wild mushrooms growing in a field in Southern California. Each man consumed a meal of one to six fried mushrooms. Two days after eating the mushrooms, all four men developed abdominal pain, nausea, diarrhea, and intractable vomiting. Three days after consuming the mushrooms, all four were hospitalized and their clinical courses rapidly deteriorated to refractory hepatorenal failure and coma. Three of the victims died three days after admission to the hospital and the fourth died eight days after admission. The autopsy findings are presented and the mechanism of Amanita phalloides mushroom poisoning is discussed.
Human cannibal cases are relatively rare in modern civilized societies. We report a single case of familial cannibalism that occurred in Oklahoma in 1977. The investigation posed unique problems in pathology, psychiatry, criminalistics, and serology.