FORENSIC PATHOLOGY DEATH BY DROWNING

DEATH BY DROWNING Caused by submersion in a liquid Death due to asphyxia with water occluding the airways

DEATH BY DROWNING Dry Drowning Only a hypothesis Laryngeal spasm Lungs have no edema May form a plug of mucous and froth

DROWNING Physiology of Drowning Hold breath Involuntary inhalation Build up of Carbon Dioxide PCO2 = 55 mmHg Involuntary inhalation Water in lungs and/or stomach Cerebral Hypoxia 3 – 60 min. Depends on water temperature Warm water 3-10 min Cold Water up to 66 min

DROWNING Physiology Water washes out surfactant Alveolar collapse Ventilation/perfusion mismatch

Post-mortem tissue consumption caused by small marine animals such as fish and crabs on the dorsal hand. The edges of the defect are typically scalloped.

Large marine life such as sharks and alligators may consume large amounts of tissue and leave sharp injuries in the soft tissue and/or bone. In this case it may be difficult to determine whether the injuries represent ante-mortem trauma or post-mortem artifacts.

DROWNING Water Temperature Cold Water “Goose Pimples” Body’s metabolism slows No need for oxygen to produce ATP

DROWNING Autopsy Findings Circumstances of Death Washerwoman hands May be Suicide, Homicide, Accidental Autopsy Inconclusive Washerwoman hands 20 – 30 min. White or hemorrhagic edema fluids Pulmonary edema is non-specific

DROWNING Tests for Drowning Gettler Chloride Test Levels less on right side of heart = drowned by saltwater Levels less on left side of heart = drowned by freshwater TEST DOES NOT WORK!!!

DROWNING Diatom tests Microscopic unicellular algae 5 to 500 μm in size Silica skeleton Inconclusive test May be inhaled May be ingested May be aspirated in water

DROWNING Bathtubs Extremely uncommon May happen due to seizure in tub Rarely homicide in adult, may occur in children

DROWNING Scuba Divers Rapid ascent Equipment failure Bends Nitrogen Narcosis Equipment failure