Archiwum Medycyny Sadowej I Kryminologii[JOURNAL]
Sun
200 papers
[Out-of-hospital death confirmation algorithm].
Moskała A, Burchardt B, Fudalej M … +2 more , Smędra A, Teresiński G
Arch Med Sadowej Kryminol · 2026 May · PMID 42325152 · Publisher ↗
PTMSIK ds. formalnych i medycznych aspektów stwierdzania zgonu opracował zestaw algorytmów postępowania dla osób stwierdzających zgon w warunkach pozaszpitalnych. Nadrzędnym celem niniejszego opracowania jest uporządkowa...
PTMSIK ds. formalnych i medycznych aspektów stwierdzania zgonu opracował zestaw algorytmów postępowania dla osób stwierdzających zgon w warunkach pozaszpitalnych. Nadrzędnym celem niniejszego opracowania jest uporządkowanie oraz ujednolicenie postępowania w sytuacjach związanych ze stwierdzaniem zgonu poza podmiotami leczniczymi, z uwzględnieniem zarówno aspektów medycznych, jak i obowiązujących regulacji prawnych.
[Methodological recommendations for forensic medical examination of bodily injuries].
Engelgardt P, Berent J, Bolechała F … +3 more , Jurek T, Szeremeta M, Teresiński G
Arch Med Sadowej Kryminol · 2026 May · PMID 42325151 · Publisher ↗
Niniejszy dokument wraz z załącznikami stanowi zbiór zaleceń dla lekarzy/lekarek wykonujących sądowo-lekarskie badania pokrzywdzonych, opracowanych w celu ujednolicenia dokumentacji opiniodawczej w zakresie oceny stopnia...
Niniejszy dokument wraz z załącznikami stanowi zbiór zaleceń dla lekarzy/lekarek wykonujących sądowo-lekarskie badania pokrzywdzonych, opracowanych w celu ujednolicenia dokumentacji opiniodawczej w zakresie oceny stopnia uszczerbku na zdrowiu u osób żywych. Schemat rutynowego działania dotyczy dokumentowania obrażeń zewnętrznych (lub ich braku), nie obejmuje natomiast oceny odległych następstw urazu oraz przypadków szczególnych.
Fatal Electrocution of a Child During Kite Flying: A Case Report.
Vadysinghe AN, Seneviratne P, Ekanayake KB … +3 more , Ekanayake NK, Wickramasinghe CU, Sanjaya B
Arch Med Sadowej Kryminol · 2026 May · PMID 42325150 · Publisher ↗
INTRODUCTION: Kite flying is generally perceived as a harmless recreational activity, particularly among children. However, under certain environmental and physiological conditions, it may pose unexpected hazards. We pre...
INTRODUCTION: Kite flying is generally perceived as a harmless recreational activity, particularly among children. However, under certain environmental and physiological conditions, it may pose unexpected hazards. We present an unusual case of fatal pediatric electrocution that occurred during kite flying with a standard nylon thread, illustrating how specific circumstances can overcome the insulating properties typically attributed to such materials. CASE REPORT: A previously healthy nine-year-old boy was flying a kite near a suburban roadway under adult supervision when the kite became entangled in an overhead 33,000-volt power line. While attempting to retrieve the kite, the child collapsed suddenly and became unresponsive. He was transported to the hospital, where he was pronounced dead on arrival. There was no reported history of direct contact with the electrical infrastructure other than through the kite string. Postmortem examination revealed localized burn injuries on the dorsal aspects of the right thumb and index finger, consistent with an electrical entry site. No definitive exit wounds were identified. Internal examination was unremarkable. Histopathological analysis of palmar skin demonstrated dermo-epidermal separation, elongation and streaming of epidermal nuclei, and homogenization of dermal collagen, findings characteristic of electrical injury. A history of longstanding palmar hyperhidrosis was obtained from the parents, raising the possibility that sweat saturation may have increased the electrical conductivity of the nylon thread. CONCLUSIONS: This case demonstrates a rare mechanism of fatal pediatric electrocution involving a sweat-saturated nylon kite thread, underscoring the complex interaction between physiological factors, environmental conditions, and material properties. It further highlights the need for increased public awareness regarding the hidden risks associated with kite flying in proximity to overhead power lines.
Examinations of the Victims of the Pacification of Striking Miners at the 'Wujek' Coal Mine on 16 December 1981 in the Materials and Recollections of the Staff of the Department of Forensic Medicine in Katowice.
Skowronek R
Arch Med Sadowej Kryminol · 2026 May · PMID 42325149 · Publisher ↗
The pacification of the striking workers of the 'Wujek' coal mine on 16 December 1981 was one of the most serious crimes committed during the martial law imposed by General Wojciech Jaruzelski. Nine miners died from guns...
The pacification of the striking workers of the 'Wujek' coal mine on 16 December 1981 was one of the most serious crimes committed during the martial law imposed by General Wojciech Jaruzelski. Nine miners died from gunshot wounds and were examined at the Department of Forensic Medicine in Katowice, then headed by Professor Władysław Nasiłowski. This article presents Nasiłowski's consolidated report of those examinations and selected recollections of staff members previously dispersed across press and online sources.
3D Surface Scanning of Corpses - Assessment of the Usefulness of the Procedure in Collecting and Archiving Evidence.
Maksymowicz K, Tunikowski W
Arch Med Sadowej Kryminol · 2026 May · PMID 42325148 · Publisher ↗
The aim of the study was to assess the usefulness of 3D surface scanning of corpses as a procedure for collecting and archiving evidence material in forensic medical practice. The research material consisted of surface s...
The aim of the study was to assess the usefulness of 3D surface scanning of corpses as a procedure for collecting and archiving evidence material in forensic medical practice. The research material consisted of surface scans of the bodies of deceased individuals undergoing autopsy at the request of the prosecutor's office. Scanning was performed non‑invasively, without direct contact between the device and the body, using an Apple LiDAR sensor and the Recon3D application. The procedure included three stages: scanning the body in clothing, without clothing, and after washing; at each stage, both the anterior and posterior surfaces of the body were recorded. The examination produced digital 3D models of the corpses in the form of computer files, enabling interactive viewing, taking measurements, generating cross‑sections, and comparing the models with other 3D objects on the same scale. The models were also presented without perspective distortion, which allowed the correct proportions and dimensions of the body to be preserved. Using the obtained models in combination with data from the scene, biological and technical traces, and other 3D materials made it possible to analyze the course of events in various types of cases, including shootings, stab wounds, pedestrian impacts, falls from height, and beatings. The study emphasizes that 3D surface scanning of corpses does not replace traditional photographic documentation but constitutes a significant extension of it. The conclusions indicate that the method is fast, non‑invasive, and useful both for archiving and for later analysis of evidence material. The resulting models increase the visual value of the documentation, facilitate integration with other imaging studies, can be quickly shared with remote experts, and may serve as a basis for reconstructing the probable course of events in a 3D environment.
Use of Panoramic Radiography in the Identification of Human Remains - Significance in Forensic Medical Practice.
Sędziak O, Michalak K, Grabarek P … +2 more , Fornalski D, Kozubek D
Arch Med Sadowej Kryminol · 2026 May · PMID 42325147 · Publisher ↗
Genetic testing, although regarded as the gold standard in the identification of human remains of unknown identity, is subject to significant limitations resulting from the degradation of biological material and the abse...
Genetic testing, although regarded as the gold standard in the identification of human remains of unknown identity, is subject to significant limitations resulting from the degradation of biological material and the absence of comparative reference samples. This paper presents the case of an unidentified male (NN) whose body exhibited extensive mechanical trauma and advanced thermal alterations. The severity of soft‑tissue destruction precluded visual identification, while the lack of reference material rendered DNA analysis impossible. The key diagnostic tool in this case was a comparative assessment of antemortem and postmortem radiological documentation, specifically panoramic radiographs. An attempt was also made to evaluate the morphology of the paranasal sinuses using computed tomography; however, extensive fractures of the facial skeleton prevented meaningful analysis. This case demonstrates that odontological examination, based on the unique combination of dental features, constitutes a reliable and effective method of identification in forensic medical practice, particularly in circumstances that limit or preclude the use of genetic techniques.
Presence of vitality evidence in railway run-over cases in the autopsy material of the Kraków Department of Forensic Medicine.
Poręba M, Barabasz K, Bodzioch A … +4 more , Chomej J, Dziedzic G, Fliszkiewicz Z, Konopka T
Arch Med Sadowej Kryminol · 2026 May · PMID 42325146 · Publisher ↗
INTRODUCTION: Assessment of vitality in railway run-over cases is crucial for accurately distinguishing deaths resulting from accidents, suicides, or other types of events from those caused by criminal activity. To deter...
INTRODUCTION: Assessment of vitality in railway run-over cases is crucial for accurately distinguishing deaths resulting from accidents, suicides, or other types of events from those caused by criminal activity. To determine vitality at the time of the run-over, autopsy evaluation relies on the presence of indicators of preserved circulation and respiratory function at the moment of the incident. AIM OF THE STUDY: The aim of the study is to determine the frequency of selected vitality indicators in railway run-over cases and to analyze their relationship with toxicological findings, the sex of the victims, and the manner of death. MATERIALS AND METHODS: After reviewing autopsy reports and the photographic database (2011-2023), 71 deaths classified as caused by railway run-over were identified. Data were collected on the described indicators of vitality at the time of the incident and the frequency of their occurrence. Blood alcohol concentration, sex and age of the victims, as well as the circumstances of the event, were also recorded. RESULTS: The analysis demonstrated that in every railway run-over case, the presence of vitality indicators could be confirmed, with external bruising being observed in all instances. Internal hemorrhages were also frequent (38% of cases), as were pulmonary contusions (58%) and aspiration of blood into the airways (45%). The vast majority of the deceased were male (83.1%). At the time of the incident, a blood alcohol concentration exceeding 0.5‰ was found in 45.1% of individuals. More than half of the cases (56.3%) were classified as accidents, 36.6% as suicides, and in 7% the circumstances of death remained unclear. CONCLUSIONS: These findings demonstrate that even in cases involving extensive bodily trauma, including dismemberment, it is possible to determine whether the victim was alive at the moment of the railway run-over. Despite the severe destruction of the bodies, it remains feasible to establish whether death resulted from the run-over itself or whether an alternative cause should be considered, such as homicide followed by placement of the body on the tracks.
Violence against minors. Analysis of the phenomenon based on forensic medical examinations performed at the Department of Forensic Medicine in Poznan in 2015-2020.
Bielecka A, Burchardt B, Dolińska-Kaczmarek K … +4 more , Linke J, Nitschke K, Rzepczyk S, Żaba C
Arch Med Sadowej Kryminol · 2026 May · PMID 42325145 · Publisher ↗
INTRODUCTION: Forensic medical opinions are central to classifying offences against health. Examinations determine whether violence resulted in bodily harm; in many cases, the victims are minors. METHODS AND RESULTS: We...
INTRODUCTION: Forensic medical opinions are central to classifying offences against health. Examinations determine whether violence resulted in bodily harm; in many cases, the victims are minors. METHODS AND RESULTS: We analyzed 670 incidents of violence against minors in the Wielkopolska region (2015-2020) using anonymized forensic examinations commissioned by the police or requested by victims/legal guardians. Minors were defined as individuals aged <18 years. Descriptive statistics (mean, median, SD, IQR, range) and chi-square/Fisher tests were used; significance was set at p=0.05. Victims and perpetrators were predominantly male. Bruises were the most common injury, and the head was the most frequently affected region. More than half of incidents occurred in public spaces. DISCUSSION: An estimated one billion children worldwide experience violence each year; the true burden is likely higher because of underreporting. Many incidents never reach law enforcement, limiting available data. Although numerous social and preventive programs aim to reduce violence against children, its persistence indicates a need for broader, more comprehensive prevention. CONCLUSIONS: Violence against minors remains a major public health and social concern. Large-scale prevention programs are needed, and training for healthcare and educational professionals is crucial because they are often the first to recognize abuse and initiate appropriate intervention.
Analysis of the causes of death in children and adolescents in the autopsy material of the Department of Forensic Medicine at the Medical University of Białystok from 2006 to 2024.
Dobkowska W, Zyśkowska N, Warpechowski K … +6 more , Doroszczyk M, Garbuz J, Janica J, Cwalina U, Niemcunowicz-Janica A, Szeremeta M
Arch Med Sadowej Kryminol · 2026 May · PMID 42325144 · Publisher ↗
AIM OF THE STUDY: assessment of the structure of causes of death in children and adolescents up to 18 years of age in the autopsy material of the Department of Forensic Medicine at the Medical University of Białystok in...
AIM OF THE STUDY: assessment of the structure of causes of death in children and adolescents up to 18 years of age in the autopsy material of the Department of Forensic Medicine at the Medical University of Białystok in the years 2006-2024. MATERIAL AND METHODS: the analysis was conducted on a group of 333 cases of deaths in children and adolescents, based on data contained in 7,551 autopsy reports, which represents 4.41% of all forensic autopsies performed during the study period. The analysis included the cause of death, sex, and accompanying circumstances such as season of the year, day of the week, and place of residence. The collected material was processed statistically according to the adopted classification criteria, and the results were presented in both descriptive and graphical form. RESULTS: the analysis showed that the most common causes of death were accidents, including 111 traffic accidents and 84 non‑traffic accidents. The highest number of deaths was observed during the summer months and on weekends. A predominance of deaths among boys was noted, accounting for 216 cases (65%), while deaths among girls constituted 117 cases (35%). The analysis revealed differences in the structure of causes of death depending on place of residence. In rural areas, traffic accidents were the leading cause of death, representing 43.5%. In contrast, in urban areas, deaths most frequently resulted from non‑traffic accidents, with a proportion of 29%. SUMMARY: the study results indicate the need for a multidirectional approach to the prevention of deaths in children, and the autopsy material constitutes a reliable source of epidemiological data in cases of deaths among minors. These data provide not only a basis for scientific analyses but may also serve as a useful tool supporting preventive measures and contribute to the development of an effective strategy for reducing mortality among children and adolescents.
The story of an unknown defender of the homeland: Identification of the remains of an unnamed person - forensic medical analysis and historical context.
Zięba K, Szczepański M, Wilk R
Arch Med Sadowej Kryminol · 2025 Nov · PMID 41790151 · Publisher ↗
The article presents the results of forensic medical examinations of human remains discovered in 2021 in a forest near the village of Wapiennik (Lipie commune). Preliminary findings indicated that they may have belonged...
The article presents the results of forensic medical examinations of human remains discovered in 2021 in a forest near the village of Wapiennik (Lipie commune). Preliminary findings indicated that they may have belonged to Józef Kiedos, alias "Kulawy," who was shot by German soldiers in September 1939. Anthropological analysis revealed that the individual was a man over the age of 50, approximately 171-172 cm tall, with visible pathological changes in the right femur, which could correspond to witness accounts of limping. No gunshot wounds were identified, and the present bone damage was postmortem in nature; however, this does not exclude a traumatic cause of death. Based on the collected evidence and historical context, it was concluded that the remains belonged to Józef Kiedos, a civilian murdered in the early days of World War II. The study highlights the role of forensic medicine in clarifying cases of historical significance.
Infrared (IR) imaging in forensic medicine: review of applications and perspectives.
Kędzierawski P, Brachet A, Margas M … +3 more , Czeczelewski M, Baj J, Teresiński G
Arch Med Sadowej Kryminol · 2025 Nov · PMID 41790150 · Publisher ↗
This study evaluates the application of infrared (IR) photography in forensic medicine for detecting latent evidence, including bite marks, bloodstains, bruises, and tattoos. We conducted a literature review and included...
This study evaluates the application of infrared (IR) photography in forensic medicine for detecting latent evidence, including bite marks, bloodstains, bruises, and tattoos. We conducted a literature review and included our own preliminary observations as illustrative examples. The review and case studies explored infrared imaging techniques, camera systems, and filter types. Key parameters such as wavelength and contrast enhancement were analyzed. The results demonstrated that infrared (IR) photography effectively revealed bloodstains beneath soot or paint, bruises on dark skin, and concealed tattoos. It also facilitated the detection of tire impressions and gunshot residues. While infrared (IR) imaging proved useful for identifying bloodstains on textiles, its effectiveness was limited on non-porous surfaces and in the presence of red pigments. Infrared (IR) photography remains a cost-effective tool in forensic investigations, although standardized protocols are still lacking. Future research should investigate advanced imaging techniques, such as high dynamic range (HDR) and near-infrared (NIR) photography, to further enhance forensic applications.
Bloodstains at crime scenes involving the use of a dangerous tool.
Jaroń A
Arch Med Sadowej Kryminol · 2025 Nov · PMID 41790149 · Publisher ↗
Crimes involving dangerous tools - particularly knives - have long been a significant focus of law enforcement agencies, public opinion, the media, and criminal law doctrine. However, the Polish legal system lacks a unif...
Crimes involving dangerous tools - particularly knives - have long been a significant focus of law enforcement agencies, public opinion, the media, and criminal law doctrine. However, the Polish legal system lacks a unified legislative approach that would effectively regulate both the possession and use of knives in public spaces. Existing legal provisions remain scattered across the Code of Misdemeanors, the Penal Code, and the Act on Weapons and Ammunition, which creates challenges in both the application of the law and the effectiveness of preventive measures. The aim of this study is to provide an interdisciplinary analysis of knife-related crime in Poland, encompassing both criminal law and forensic perspectives. It includes an assessment of the effectiveness of current regulations and highlights the role of bloodstain pattern analysis (BPA) in reconstructing events. The research draws on legal acts, academic literature, statistical data from the National Police Headquarters, and training and certification practices of experts at both national and international levels. The findings indicate that a reductionist approach prevails in Poland, where blood traces are primarily treated as carriers of biological material for DNA analysis, while their reconstructive potential is largely overlooked.
Analysis of the causes of death in children under one year of age in the material of the Department of Forensic Medicine at the Jagiellonian University Medical College in Kraków, with particular emphasis on the issue of SIDS.
Boruta O, Wojarska M, Suchcicka J … +3 more , Ziobro L, Shtohryn K, Konopka T
Arch Med Sadowej Kryminol · 2025 Nov · PMID 41790148 · Publisher ↗
The aim of this study was to determine the incidence of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) in the expert material of the Department of Forensic Medicine at the Jagiellonian University Medical College in Kraków between 2...
The aim of this study was to determine the incidence of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) in the expert material of the Department of Forensic Medicine at the Jagiellonian University Medical College in Kraków between 2000 and 2024, and to analyze the most common causes of death in children under one year of age. Materials and Methods: Autopsy reports from the Department of Forensic Medicine at the Jagiellonian University Medical College in Kraków from the years 2000 to 2024 were analyzed. Information was collected and examined for 219 children aged 0-12 months, including demographic data - age and sex, external and internal examination findings, and the location where the bodies were discovered. The data were supplemented using available medical records, family interviews, or police notes from the scene. Additional analyses included toxicological, histopathological, and imaging studies, as well as photographic documentation, when available. Results and Conclusions: Fourteen cases were classified as Sudden Unexpected Infant Death (SUID), accounting for 6.4% of the 219 autopsies performed. During the study period, Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) was diagnosed in only seven cases, representing 3.2% of the examined group - two among newborns and five among infants. All seven SIDS cases occurred in children under four months of age. The most common cause of death in children under one year of age was systemic infection, identified in 104 cases. In 51 cases, a diagnosis of pneumonia was made, and in 9 cases - pneumonia accompanied by myocarditis. Of all autopsies performed on children under one year of age, 77 (35.2%) concerned newborns.
Analysis of the causes and circumstances of death in child traffic accident victims based on autopsy material from the Department of Forensic Medicine in Białystok between 2002 and 2021.
Sarosiek WW, Sarosiek GI, Cwalina U … +3 more , Ptaszyńska-Sarosiek I, Niemcunowicz-Janica A, Szeremeta M
Arch Med Sadowej Kryminol · 2025 Nov · PMID 41790147 · Publisher ↗
The aim of the study was to analyze the causes and circumstances of death among child victims of traffic accidents up to 17 years of age, based on forensic autopsy results conducted between 2002 and 2021 at the Departmen...
The aim of the study was to analyze the causes and circumstances of death among child victims of traffic accidents up to 17 years of age, based on forensic autopsy results conducted between 2002 and 2021 at the Department of Forensic Medicine in Białystok. The analysis was conducted on a group of 123 child traffic accident victims, based on data from 8,241 autopsy reports, representing 1.49% of all forensic autopsies performed during the study period. Cases were examined with regard to the victims' sex, road activity, age, place of death, place of residence, season, day of the week, type of injuries sustained, cause of death, and blood alcohol content. The collected data were statistically processed according to established classification criteria and presented in both descriptive and graphical form. The analysis of 123 autopsy reports revealed that the average age of the victims was 11.7 years, and 65.85% of the deceased were male. The highest mortality rate was observed among passengers, who accounted for 44.72% of all deaths, followed by pedestrians, representing 31.7% of cases. Fatal traffic accidents involving children occurred most frequently in August and September (each accounting for 17% of total deaths), and on Sundays (23% of cases). Sixty-six percent of the victims died at the scene of the accident, with fatal cranio-cerebral injuries identified as the leading cause of death in 85% of cases. A total of 10 deceased children aged 14 to 17 were found to have been under the influence of alcohol. The study results indicate the need for continued educational campaigns targeting children, parents, and drivers - particularly in relation to risky behaviors on the road, such as underage driving or careless movement on foot or by bicycle. Strengthening legal regulations and improving road infrastructure, especially in urban areas where the risk of accidents is higher, may also prove beneficial.
Participation of a forensic physician in beatification and canonization processes - description of three cases from 1989-2000.
Skowronek R, Rygol K
Arch Med Sadowej Kryminol · 2025 Aug · PMID 40932444 · Publisher ↗
Exhumation refers to the extraction of a body or human remains for the purpose of conducting forensic or medical examinations (e.g., to determine or confirm the cause of death), or for transferring the remains to another...
Exhumation refers to the extraction of a body or human remains for the purpose of conducting forensic or medical examinations (e.g., to determine or confirm the cause of death), or for transferring the remains to another grave. Exhumations may also be performed under other circumstances and constitute one of the stages in beatification and canonization proceedings. In such cases, the provisions of the Code of Canon Law apply. Between 1989 and 2000, medical experts from the Department of Forensic Medicine and Forensic Toxicology in Katowice participated on three occasions in activities involving exhumation, canonical recognition of mortal remains, and the transfer of remains to new burial sites. This paper presents those cases, outlines the course of medical and judicial procedures, and discusses the legal and ecclesiastical aspects of beatification and canonization processes.
Post-aggressive suicide in a state of acute emotional agitation - a case study.
Cywka T
Arch Med Sadowej Kryminol · 2025 Aug · PMID 40932443 · Publisher ↗
Post-aggressive suicide refers to a phenomenon that integrates the act of homicide with the subsequent suicide of the perpetrator. This pattern most commonly arises within the context of close emotional relationships, su...
Post-aggressive suicide refers to a phenomenon that integrates the act of homicide with the subsequent suicide of the perpetrator. This pattern most commonly arises within the context of close emotional relationships, such as intimate partnerships or familial bonds. A defining feature of such cases is the motivational and causal continuity between the two phases - the suicide is typically a premeditated extension of the initial act of violence. This paper presents a case involving a male subject who, in a state of acute emotional agitation triggered by the breakdown of a relationship, inflicted multiple injuries to his partner's head, face, neck and shoulder, and subsequently died by suicide. The presence of similar wounds on both the victim and the perpetrator suggests a highly violent episode, marked by elements of both interpersonal aggression and self-inflicted harm. The psychological profile of the perpetrator indicates prolonged internal distress and maladaptive coping mechanisms in response to perceived rejection. This case study aims to contribute to the limited body of literature on post-aggressive suicide, a rare but clinically and forensically significant phenomenon wherein externalized violence is followed by self-directed fatality.
The academic and scientific legacy of Professor Włodzimierz Jan Sieradzki as the founder of the Department and Institute of Forensic Medicine at Lviv University.
Malyk O, Kuzyk Y, Lishchynska A … +1 more , Najda A
Arch Med Sadowej Kryminol · 2025 Aug · PMID 40932442 · Publisher ↗
The study analyzed historical data relating to Professor Włodzimierz Jan Sieradzki, Head of the Department of Forensic Medicine at Lviv University, from 1898 to 1940. The analysis utilized documents from the Lviv Oblast...
The study analyzed historical data relating to Professor Włodzimierz Jan Sieradzki, Head of the Department of Forensic Medicine at Lviv University, from 1898 to 1940. The analysis utilized documents from the Lviv Oblast State Archives, the Danylo Halytsky National Medical University in Lviv, and the archives of Ivan Franko State University in Lviv, as well as publications from journals from the 20th and 21st centuries. Sieradzki specialized in forensic medicine, biology, and criminal anthropology. His "Wachholz-Sieradzki test" for detecting carbon monoxide gained worldwide recognition. He documented his forensic findings in 31 articles and supervised four dissertations. From 1905, he headed the Institute of Forensic Medicine at Lviv University, conducting sanitary and police tanatopsis as a city prosecutor and forensic expert. Throughout his career, he held key positions: dean (1908-1909, 1919-1921), vice-dean (1909-1910, 1921-1922), part-time head of Pathological Anatomy and Experimental Pathology (1915), rector (1924-1925), and vice-rector (1926-1927). He co-founded and first edited the Lviv Medical Journal, collaborated with the Polish Medical Journal, chaired the Lviv Medical Society, and was involved in various forensic medicine associations. He also participated in the Galician Medical Society. For his services, he was awarded the Commander's Cross of the Order of Polonia Restituta and the Knight's Cross of the French Legion of Honor. In 1948, the Institute of Forensic Medicine at the Medical University of Wrocław was named after him, and plaques commemorating Sieradzki and other victims were placed at the execution sites in Lviv during the German occupation.
'White autopsies': an overview of cases with inconclusive results of post-mortem examinations in the Department of Forensic Medicine of the Jagiellonian University Medical College in Kraków, Poland.
Zwierzewicz Z, Szpakowska A, Bistroń D … +3 more , Leśniak K, Dziedzic G, Konopka T
Arch Med Sadowej Kryminol · 2025 Aug · PMID 40932441 · Publisher ↗
THE AIM OF THE STUDY: The aim of the study was to accurately determine the incidence of white autopsies and to identify possible conditions responsible for such autopsies by means of analyzing confirmed causes of death i...
THE AIM OF THE STUDY: The aim of the study was to accurately determine the incidence of white autopsies and to identify possible conditions responsible for such autopsies by means of analyzing confirmed causes of death in the same age group. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We searched autopsy reports from the Department of Forensic Medicine (Jagiellonian University, Medical College) from years 2009-2022 for cases of sudden death in the age group 2-40 years old. Exclusion criteria involved: death caused by trauma or other external factors, subject at an advanced stage of decomposition, in-hospital death. RESULTS: A review of 900 included cases yielded a total of 97 cases in which the post-mortem examinations did not disclose the cause of death, although only in 20 of those cases all diagnostic measures, including toxicology examination, were used. The average annual incidence of these cases is ca. 7 p.a. We also analyzed the reported causes of death to identify such conditions which both occur relatively often and might not provide any morphological alterations in autopsy; such as: non-ethanol poisonings (143), death due to epileptic seizure, not caused by seizure-connected trauma or aspiration of gastric contents into the respiratory tract (38), myocarditis (37). CONCLUSIONS: The incidence of white autopsies at our center appears to be higher than previously estimated, partly due to the fact that negative autopsies are often not supplemented with additional examinations (toxicology and histopathology). An analysis of confirmed causes of sudden death in the same age group allowed us to identify at least 3 fatal conditions which might leave no trace in autopsy and thus be responsible for at least some of the white autopsy cases. It seems recommendable to include targeted investigations designed to better detect those conditions (non-ethanol poisoning, sudden death in epilepsy, myocarditis) in an algorithm for proceeding in cases of autopsy failure.
[Professor Zofia Olszowy - a reminder of the outstanding forensic toxicologist on the occasion of her ninetieth birthday].
Skowronek R
Arch Med Sadowej Kryminol · 2025 Aug · PMID 40932440 · Publisher ↗
Abstract loading — click title to view on PubMed.
Forensic medical findings in the postaccident investigation of an aviation disaster in the village of Topolów (Silesian Voivodeship) - a case study.
Nowakowska M, Tomsia M, Szczepański M … +3 more , Kabiesz-Neniczka S, Rygol K, Skowronek R
Arch Med Sadowej Kryminol · 2025 · PMID 40629976 · Publisher ↗
The study presents the results of forensic medical findings in the post-accident investigation of an aviation disaster that took place in the village of Topolów. Due to an emergency landing, the aircraft crashed and subs...
The study presents the results of forensic medical findings in the post-accident investigation of an aviation disaster that took place in the village of Topolów. Due to an emergency landing, the aircraft crashed and subsequently caught fire. As a result of the incident, 11 people died, and one was seriously injured. During autopsy examinations, all victims were found to have multi-organ injuries, and in six of them, histopathological studies confirmed the presence of inhaled fire smoke in the respiratory tract, indicating they were alive when the fire spread. Due to the severe damage to the bodies, genetic identification was necessary to establish their identities. Thanks to the established cooperation between the Prosecutor's Office and the Police, as well as the efficient work of various laboratories of Department and Institute of Forensic Medicine and Forensic Medical Toxicology at the Medical University of Silesia in Katowice - through autopsy examinations and genetic analyses - all victims were identified within two weeks, allowing their families to proceed with burial. This case demonstrates that experience in handling disasters and good collaboration between forensic institutions enable the swift and comprehensive formulation of expert opinions.
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