Archiwum Medycyny Sadowej I Kryminologii[JOURNAL]
Sun
200 papers
Osmotic demyelination syndrome - an example of using neuropathological examination in forensic medical practice.
Samojłowicz D, Tarka S, Borowska-Solonynko A … +1 more , Felczak P
Arch Med Sadowej Kryminol · 2025 · PMID 40629975 · Publisher ↗
THE AIM OF THE STUDY: Presentation of the practical application of neuropathological examination in forensic medical practice. Emphasizing the usefulness of rarely utilized neuropathological examinations, particularly in...
THE AIM OF THE STUDY: Presentation of the practical application of neuropathological examination in forensic medical practice. Emphasizing the usefulness of rarely utilized neuropathological examinations, particularly in cases of deaths with unclear neurological etiology. CASE DESCRIPTION: A 46-year-old woman with alcohol addiction passed away due to encephalopathy, clinically identified as toxic encephalopathy. A standard autopsy did not allow for a definitive determination of the cause of death. Thanks to the conducted neuropathological examination, which revealed extensive demyelination, and the analysis of the treatment course, the toxic cause of death was ruled out, leading to the diagnosis of osmotic demyelination syndrome resulting from overly rapid correction of hyponatremia. . CONCLUSIONS: This case highlights the crucial role of neuropathology in post-mortem diagnostics and underscores the need for developing guidelines and educating prosecutors on its application in forensic autopsies.
Oral microbiome dynamics in Postmortem Interval estimation: research standards and guidelines.
Haenel A, Grzybowski T, Skonieczna K
Arch Med Sadowej Kryminol · 2025 · PMID 40629974 · Publisher ↗
Determination of the postmortem interval (PMI) is a crucial aspect of forensic investigations as it verifies an alibi or narrows down suspects. Nevertheless, PMI estimation remains one of the most challenging problems in...
Determination of the postmortem interval (PMI) is a crucial aspect of forensic investigations as it verifies an alibi or narrows down suspects. Nevertheless, PMI estimation remains one of the most challenging problems in forensic science. Currently used methods are influenced by various biotic and abiotic factors affecting decomposition. Thus, determining the time of death largely depends on the skills and experience of the forensic experts. Consequently, currently used procedures are prone to inaccuracies. Lately, gut microbiome analysis has proven useful in determining the time of death. Furthermore, emerging evidence indicates that profiling the oral microbiome may also provide valuable insights into PMI estimation. In this review, we examine published reports on oral microbiome and highlight the methodological limitations that diminish their scientific value. Therefore, we summarize the research standards and guidelines for oral microbiome studies to enhance the accuracy and reproducibility of PMI studies. Consequently, standardization of this type of research could lead to the development of innovative approaches that may be implemented into routine forensic genetics practice.
Competencies of court experts in bloodstain pattern analysis.
Jaroń A
Arch Med Sadowej Kryminol · 2025 · PMID 40629973 · Publisher ↗
The court experts and the opinions prepared by them, play an important role in criminal proceedings, especially in connection with the intensive development of forensic science and forensic techniques. In such conditions...
The court experts and the opinions prepared by them, play an important role in criminal proceedings, especially in connection with the intensive development of forensic science and forensic techniques. In such conditions, evidence obtained from expert opinions often plays the inglorious role of resolving important trial issues. It should be noted that the average judge do not have knowledge of all scientific fields. By extension, they must base their judgments on knowledge and someone else's experience. These people are called court experts. Currently, there are over 19 440 court experts in Poland listed on the lists kept by the presidents of district courts. To draw up opinions, judges also appoints ad hoc experts due to their specialized knowledge. As a result, the number of people who draw up opinions for courts increases to 20,000. Out of so many people drawing up opinions for courts, there are only six from the bloodstain pattern analysis. Moreover, only four of them were renewed by courts in 2024.
The COVID-19 pandemic and suicides in Warsaw.
Jońca DD, Orzechowski C, Borowska-Solonynko A … +4 more , Hanusz K, Konopka P, Wolanowska N, Zaremba A
Arch Med Sadowej Kryminol · 2025 · PMID 40629972 · Publisher ↗
THE AIM OF THE STUDY: The aim of this study was to analyze changes in the number of suicides, the methods of their occurrence, the age and gender structure of individuals committing suicide during the COVID-19 pandemic c...
THE AIM OF THE STUDY: The aim of this study was to analyze changes in the number of suicides, the methods of their occurrence, the age and gender structure of individuals committing suicide during the COVID-19 pandemic compared to the period before the pandemic. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The data for the study came from a manually created ledger in which deceased individuals sent to the Department and Institute of Forensic Medicine at the Medical University of Warsaw (WUM) were registered. The first stage of the work required manually transcribing the ledger into an Excel program. The preliminary analysis covered all registered deceased individuals in 2019 (the year before the pandemic) and 2020 (the year of the outbreak) - n=2939. A detailed analysis was conducted on cases of suicide deaths. Statistical significance was examined using the Chi-Square test and the Proportion Test. RESULTS: The overall number of suicides in 2020 was slightly higher (n=208) compared to 2019 (n=197), with the most significant increase observed among children and adolescents (age group 0-19 years) - 2019: n=6, 2020: n=14. However, these differences were not statistically significant (p>0.05). A statistically significant increase in suicide deaths caused by intentional poisoning was observed (2019: n=5, 2020: n=17). During the pandemic, there was a slight increase in the number of suicides among men (2019: n=152, 2020: n=162), while the number of suicides among women remained practically stable (2019: n=45, 2020: n=46). CONCLUSIONS: In the first year of the pandemic in Warsaw and the surrounding areas, no significant increase in the number of suicides was observed. However, there was a noticeable rise in the number of individuals in the youngest age group. The change in suicide numbers did not affect women. A significant shift was related to the chosen method of suicide-there was an increase in the number of intentional fatal poisonings.
Fatal falls from standing height - analysis of skull fracture patterns in autopsy materials from the Institute of Forensic Medicine in Kraków.
Zuwała M, Rogowicz Garay N, Buś Z … +4 more , Klimaszewska K, Szabliński T, Radzikowska J, Konopka T
Arch Med Sadowej Kryminol · 2025 · PMID 40629971 · Publisher ↗
THE AIM OF THE STUDY: Falls from standing height are understood as incidents where a person in an upright or nearly upright position collapses, striking a hard surface. The aim of the study was to verify the hypothesis t...
THE AIM OF THE STUDY: Falls from standing height are understood as incidents where a person in an upright or nearly upright position collapses, striking a hard surface. The aim of the study was to verify the hypothesis that skull fractures resulting from such events typically manifest as a single crack, while the presence of other types of fractures may indicate a different injury mechanism than a simple fall. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Autopsy reports from a 10-year period (2000-2009) from the Institute of Forensic Medicine in Kraków were analyzed. The study included 272 cases that met the inclusion criteria. Data were collected regarding the injury mechanism, place of death, and sustained injuries, with a particular focus on the presence and pattern of skull fractures. RESULTS: Among 272 cases of fatal falls from standing height, 181 (66.54%) exhibited skull fractures in the autopsy examination. Within the analyzed group, 91.71% were male, and an interesting age disparity emerged between genders: an average age of 53.1 years for men and 70.6 years for women. Simple fractures (single, non-branching) were the most common category, accounting for 64.85% of cases. Additionally, branching fractures were observed in 15.38%, multiple fractures in 15.93%, and comminuted fractures in 3.84%. CONCLUSIONS: In two-thirds of analyzed cases of fatal intracranial injuries resulting from falls from standing height, skull fractures were present. Skull fractures caused by such incidents are most commonly single and linear, though complex fractures are occasionally observed. The most frequent locations of fractures resulting from falls from standing height include the posterior cranial fossa and the cranial vault.
Unusual greenish tissue discoloration in fatal aluminium phosphide poisoning: clinical and forensic perspectives.
Kanani J, Sheikh MI
Arch Med Sadowej Kryminol · 2025 · PMID 40377520 · Publisher ↗
THE AIM OF THE STUDY: Aluminum phosphide poisoning poses significant challenges both in clinical and forensic settings due to its high fatality rate and diverse clinical manifestations. While the clinical symptoms of alu...
THE AIM OF THE STUDY: Aluminum phosphide poisoning poses significant challenges both in clinical and forensic settings due to its high fatality rate and diverse clinical manifestations. While the clinical symptoms of aluminum phosphide toxicity are well-documented, certain autopsy findings, particularly a rare greenish discoloration of organs, remain poorly understood. METHODS: A prospective observational study was conducted over an eight-month period to analyze the occurrence of unusual green discoloration of tissues during autopsies in aluminum phosphide poisoning cases. This study aimed to document the frequency, distribution, and potential mechanisms behind this rare phenomenon, providing insights into its clinical and forensic implications. RESULTS: A total of 110 suspected poisoning cases were examined, of which 47 were confirmed as aluminum phosphide poisonings. Among these, three cases demonstrated gradual greenish discoloration of organs such as the heart, stomach, brain, and kidneys. Despite the presence of this unique discoloration, histopathological examination revealed no microscopic pigmentation or histological anomalies. The discoloration varied in terms of the organs involved, intensity, and the speed of onset, presenting distinct patterns across the cases. CONCLUSIONS: The etiology of this discoloration remains unknown, suggesting that biochemical or metabolic processes might play a role. This rare phenomenon underscores the need for further research to elucidate the underlying mechanisms, and highlights the importance of documenting such observations in forensic reports.
Genital injuries in girls aged 1-2 years - description of 2 cases.
Engelgardt P, Krzyżanowski M, Perkowska M
Arch Med Sadowej Kryminol · 2025 · PMID 40377519 · Publisher ↗
INTRODUCTION: Blunt perineal trauma can result from a variety of mechanisms, depending on the child's development and activity level. The younger the child, the greater the risk that the perineal trauma is related to sex...
INTRODUCTION: Blunt perineal trauma can result from a variety of mechanisms, depending on the child's development and activity level. The younger the child, the greater the risk that the perineal trauma is related to sexual assault. The problem with young children is obtaining reliable information from them regarding the circumstances of the injury. The younger the child, the more severe the problem. Therefore, this type of injury can pose a challenge in determining the actual mechanism of its occurrence. Case study Case 1. A 16-month-old girl was admitted to the hospital with injuries to the perineum. The examination revealed bruising and abrasions of the epidermis around the vaginal vestibule, and a ruptured mucosa of the posterior commissure. The injuries were said to have occurred when the child was with the caregiver and her partner, including approximately 30 minutes in the presence of the man alone. The man denied touching the child, stating that the injuries were supposed to have occurred accidentally following a fall in the bathroom. The confrontation of the explanations of the caregiver and her partner with the child's injuries allowed these explanations to be dismissed. CASE 2: A 22-month-old girl was admitted to the hospital with a single bruise in the posterior commissure area. The mother suspected that the child may have accidentally sustained a perineum injury while trying to enter or exit a decorative flowerpot. To verify the mother's explanations, at the request of the expert, the flowerpot in question was inspected and the minor's behavior was observed when entering and exiting the flowerpot. This allowed the mother's explanations to be deemed credible. DISCUSSION: In the first case, the presence of multiple injuries (at least 4) located around the entrance to the vagina, characterized by bruising and tears in the mucous membrane, was significant. The number and arrangement of these injuries around the entrance, rather than in a straight line, made the possibility of a fall improbable, particularly given the caregiver's explanations of the circumstances. The nature of the injuries also clearly contradicted the accounts of the caregiver and her partner. In the second case, despite the location of the injury raising suspicions of a possible sexual assault, the additional data provided above substantiated the mother's version. UNLABELLED: Wprowadzenie . Tępe urazy krocza mogą wynikać z różnych mechanizmów, w zależności od rozwoju i aktywności dziecka. Im młodsze dziecko tym większe ryzyko, że uraz krocza związany był z napaścią seksualną. Problemem w przypadku małych dzieci jest uzyskanie od nich wiarygodnych informacji odnośnie okoliczności powstania obrażeń, im młodsze dziecko tym problem jest bardziej nasilony. W związku z powyższym tego typu urazy mogą stanowić wyzwanie odnośnie ustalenia rzeczywistego mechanizmu ich powstania. Omówienie przypadków Przypadek 1 – dotyczył 16 miesięcznej dziewczynki przyjętej do Szpitala z obrażeniami okolicy krocza. W badaniu stwierdzono zasinienia i otarcia naskórka wokół przedsionka pochwy oraz pęknięcie błony śluzowej spoidła tylnego. Do powstania obrażeń miało dojść kiedy dziecko przebywało z opiekunką i jej partnerem, w tym około 30 minut jedynie w obecności mężczyzny. Mężczyzna negował dotykanie dziecka, wg niego obrażenia miały powstać przypadkowo, wg opiekunki obrażenia miały powstać przypadkowo w następstwie upadku w łazience. Konfrontacja wyjaśnień opiekunki i jej partnera z obrażeniami dziecka pozwoliła na zanegowanie ich wiarygodności. Przypadek 2 – dotyczył 22 miesięcznej dziewczynki przyjętej do szpitala z pojedynczym zasinieniem okolicy spoidła tylnego. Matka podejrzewała, że dziecko mogło doznać urazu krocza przypadkowo podczas prób wchodzenia/wychodzenia z ozdobnej donicy. Celem zweryfikowania wyjaśnień matki na wniosek biegłego przeprowadzono oględziny przedmiotowej donicy oraz dokonano obserwacji zachowania małoletniej przy wchodzeniu i wychodzeniu z donicy co pozwoliło na uwiarygodnienie wyjaśnień matki małoletniej. Dyskusja. W pierwszym przypadku uwagę zwracała obecność kilku (co najmniej 4) obrażeń zlokalizowanych wokół wejścia do pochwy w postaci zasinień i rozdarcia błony śluzowej. Liczba obrażeń, ich ułożenie wokół wejścia do pochwy (nie w jednej linii), wykluczały możliwość powstania w następstwie upadku, w tym zwłaszcza w okolicznościach podawanych w wyjaśnieniach opiekunki. Charakter obrażeń również zdecydowanie przeczył wersji opiekunki i jej partnera. W drugim przypadku pomimo lokalizacji obrażenia, budzącej podejrzenia co do możliwości seksualnej napaści, dodatkowe, podane wyżej dane, pozwoliły na uwiarygodnienie wersji matki.
A rare case of the coexistence of injuries typical of a fall from height.
Cywka T
Arch Med Sadowej Kryminol · 2025 · PMID 40377518 · Publisher ↗
Falls from heights constitute the second most common cause of suicides in Poland, often resulting in multiple organ injuries. This paper describes a rare case of a 32-year-old man who died after jumping from a four-story...
Falls from heights constitute the second most common cause of suicides in Poland, often resulting in multiple organ injuries. This paper describes a rare case of a 32-year-old man who died after jumping from a four-story building. The autopsy and post-mortem computed tomography analysis revealed a unique coexistence of injuries characteristic of a fall onto extended lower limbs, such as a circular fracture of the base of the skull as well as multiple fractures of the spine, pelvis, and lower limbs. The geodetic analysis enabled the determination of the fall height and flight range, which facilitated further conclusions regarding the active phase of movement and the verification of the circumstances of the event. This case highlights the importance of a comprehensive approach in evaluating the mechanisms of injuries caused by falls from heights. The use of post-mortem computed tomography, supplemented by geodetic data and traditional biomechanical methods, allows for a detailed assessment of the nature of injuries and the circumstances of the event. This type of multidimensional analysis enables more precise differentiation of injury mechanisms and reasoning about the cause of the fall, which is crucial in forensic practice.
Female violence against men.
Więcek-Durańska A
Arch Med Sadowej Kryminol · 2025 · PMID 40377517 · Publisher ↗
The phenomenon of violence against men is a significantly less researched topic compared to violence against women. The issue of female violence against men is often overlooked, marginalized, and sometimes even considere...
The phenomenon of violence against men is a significantly less researched topic compared to violence against women. The issue of female violence against men is often overlooked, marginalized, and sometimes even considered less harmful or important. Established social patterns frequently depict women as weaker and defenseless individuals, and men as attackers and aggressors. In reality, there are situations where women become the initiators and perpetrators of acts of violence, and their victims are men. The phenomenon of violence against men is also a shameful topic, which results in a strong reluctance of men to report acts of violence by women to the appropriate authorities. This, in turn, lowers the statistics and fails to show the true scale of the occurrence of the problem of violence against men. The article presents the results of gender-based violence studies involving men. It turns out that the scale of violence against men is significant, with one in three men (34%) experiencing psychological violence from their current partner, 1% experiencing physical violence, and 0.5% experiencing sexual violence. Nearly 8% of the surveyed men indicated physical violence in a relationship from former partners.
Development of a method for determining xenobiotics in the form of dried blood spots on cotton material and Whatman® 903 cards.
Komajda K, Przygodzka D
Arch Med Sadowej Kryminol · 2025 · PMID 40377516 · Publisher ↗
THE AIM OF THE STUDY: The aim of this study was to develop and validate a quantitative analysis procedure for four benzodiazepines (alprazolam, diazepam, flunitrazepam, clonazepam) and one Z-drug (zolpidem), applied to c...
THE AIM OF THE STUDY: The aim of this study was to develop and validate a quantitative analysis procedure for four benzodiazepines (alprazolam, diazepam, flunitrazepam, clonazepam) and one Z-drug (zolpidem), applied to cotton material and Whatman® 903 cards in the form of blood spots. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The extraction was conducted using a mixture of phosphate-carbonate buffer pH=6, acetonitrile, and methanol. The blood spots were analyzed using high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with triple quadrupole mass spectrometry. RESULTS: All calibration curves maintained linearity (R²>0.995) in the concentration ranges of 1-50 ng/ml on cotton material and Whatman ® 903 cards. The Limit of Detection (LOD) and Limit of Quantitation (LOQ) for the analyzed substances were in the ranges of 0.04- 0.40 ng/ml (LOD) and 0.12-1.08 ng/ml (LOQ) isolated from Whatman® 903 cards, and 0.06-1.15 ng/ml (LOD) and 0.17-2.04 ng/ml (LOQ) isolated from cotton. Accuracy for concentrations of 5 ng/ml, 10 ng/ml, and 50 ng/ml was comparable in both groups, ranging from 76-101% for Whatman® 903 cards and 73-117% for cotton. No significant matrix effect was observed on the quantitative results of the analyzed benzodiazepines. CONCLUSIONS: In the presented study, a qualitative and quantitative analysis procedure for four xenobiotics from the benzodiazepine group and zolpidem, applied as dried blood spots on cotton material and Whatman® 903 cards, was developed and validated. The extraction method presented focused on isolating xenobiotics from blood spots of known volume. Sample extraction using a simple liquid-liquid extraction (LLE) technique creates opportunities for applying the described method to real samples secured on cotton material or stored on Whatman® 903 cards.
Stability of acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity in blood: the effect of the preservative agent.
Tusiewicz K, Szpot P, Wachełko O … +1 more , Zawadzki M
Arch Med Sadowej Kryminol · 2025 · PMID 40377515 · Publisher ↗
Fluoride anions are believed to inhibit acetylcholinesterase activity, thus there is a possibility that the activity may be affected by blood sampling into vials containing sodium fluoride as an anticoagulant. The paper...
Fluoride anions are believed to inhibit acetylcholinesterase activity, thus there is a possibility that the activity may be affected by blood sampling into vials containing sodium fluoride as an anticoagulant. The paper aims to draw attention to the effect of the anticoagulant used in blood collection tubes on acetylcholinesterase activity. A stability study was conducted for 176 days on blood samples collected into tubes containing sodium fluoride or sodium EDTA. An improved Ellman procedure, utilizing spectrophotometric determination at 436 nm, was employed in order to determine acetylcholinesterase activity. An immediate decrease in acetylcholinesterase activity was observed in blood samples containing sodium fluoride. A significant decrease was evident immediately after blood collection and on the first day, after which the activity stabilized at 84% of the initial value. Subsequently, the activity increased to a level comparable to the initial value. In samples collected with EDTA, acetylcholinesterase activity was comparable to that in the sample without anticoagulant, and the activity remained constant for about 2 months. In conclusion, it is recommended that acetylcholinesterase activity be tested immediately after blood collection to reduce enzyme inhibition by fluoride anions, or that tubes with another anticoagulant, such as EDTA, be used.
Fatal traffic accident in a post- heart‑transplant driver - opportunities and limitations in forensic evaluation.
Skowronek R, Nożyński J
Arch Med Sadowej Kryminol · 2025 · PMID 41814857 · Publisher ↗
Opiniowanie medyczno-sądowe przypadków zgonu osób po przeszczepie serca należy do rzadkości. Przypadki te stanowią wyzwanie dla biegłego medyka sądowego, ponieważ wymagają uwzględnienia potencjalnych przyczyn zgonu związ...
Opiniowanie medyczno-sądowe przypadków zgonu osób po przeszczepie serca należy do rzadkości. Przypadki te stanowią wyzwanie dla biegłego medyka sądowego, ponieważ wymagają uwzględnienia potencjalnych przyczyn zgonu związanych z nieprawidłową funkcją przeszczepu. W pracy przedstawiono przypadek kierowcy, który z nieustalonych przyczyn zjechał z drogi i uderzył w miejską latarnię uliczną, na skutek czego doznał śmiertelnych obrażeń ciała. Analiza toksykologiczna wykazała obecność kwasu mykofenolowego oraz amlodypiny, natomiast nie stwierdzono obecności cyklosporyny. Badania histopatologiczne ujawniły chorobę naczyń/tętnic przeszczepionego serca w stopniu umiarkowanym. Analiza zapisu zabezpieczonego rozrusznika dokonana przez biegłego kardiologa wykazała m.in., że zastosowany typ rozrusznika zabezpieczał chorego jedynie przed zwolnieniami rytmu. Biegli zwrócili również uwagę, że nie wykluczają, iż do zachowania będącego przyczyną śmiertelnego wypadku komunikacyjnego doszło na podłożu nieuchwytnych morfologicznie zaburzeń rytmu przeszczepionego serca. W dochodzeniu przyczyny zgonu osoby po przeszczepie serca niezbędna jest ścisła współpraca między medykiem sądowym, toksykologiem, patomorfologiem doświadczonym w ocenie patologii mięśnia sercowego, oraz biegłym kardiologiem. Jeśli osoba posiadała wszczepiony rozrusznik serca, należy go zawsze zabezpieczyć, ponieważ analiza zapisu może okazać się bardzo wartościowa dla opiniowania medyczno-sądowego. Forensic medical evaluation of deaths in individuals after heart transplantation is rare. Such cases pose a challenge for the forensic expert, as they require consideration of potential causes of death related to impaired graft function. This paper presents the case of a driver who, for unknown reasons, veered off the road and struck a streetlight, sustaining fatal injuries. Toxicological analysis revealed the presence of mycophenolic acid and amlodipine, while cyclosporine was not detected. Histopathological examination demonstrated moderate graft vasculopathy/arteriopathy. Analysis of the pacemaker recording, performed by a cardiology expert, showed, among other findings, that the type of device used protected the patient only against bradyarrhythmias. The experts also noted that they could not exclude the possibility that the behavior leading to the fatal traffic accident resulted from morphologically undetectable arrhythmias of the transplanted heart. Determining the cause of death in a heart‑transplant recipient requires close cooperation between the forensic pathologist, toxicologist, a pathologist experienced in cardiac pathology, and a cardiology expert. If the individual had an implanted pacemaker, it should always be secured, as analysis of its recording may prove highly valuable for forensic medical assessment.
Fatal Pulmonary Embolism Following Liposuction: A Case Report.
Nowakowska M, Tomsia M, Szczepański M … +1 more , Skowronek R
Arch Med Sadowej Kryminol · 2025 · PMID 41814856 · Publisher ↗
Liposuction is an increasingly popular plastic surgery procedure due to its effectiveness in removing excess adipose tissue from various body regions. However, like any invasive intervention, it carries the risk of numer...
Liposuction is an increasingly popular plastic surgery procedure due to its effectiveness in removing excess adipose tissue from various body regions. However, like any invasive intervention, it carries the risk of numerous complications. The aim of this report is to present the second documented case in Poland of a 34‑year‑old woman who died on the second postoperative day following liposuction combined with abdominoplasty, due to pulmonary embolism and myocardial infarction. The paper discusses the two most common causes of death associated with liposuction and provides literature‑based recommendations for patient management aimed at minimizing the risk of postoperative complications.
Trends in the expert and teaching activities of university forensic medicine departments in 2011-2024.
Teresiński G
Arch Med Sadowej Kryminol · 2025 · PMID 41814855 · Publisher ↗
INTRODUCTION: Consultants appointed in the field of forensic medicine do not directly participate in implementing health policy, monitoring the availability of health services, or conducting inspections of healthcare fac...
INTRODUCTION: Consultants appointed in the field of forensic medicine do not directly participate in implementing health policy, monitoring the availability of health services, or conducting inspections of healthcare facilities. The national consultant in forensic medicine is responsible for overseeing the content of undergraduate and postgraduate education, monitoring equipment and the effective use of analytical equipment, preparing opinions on resource assessments and staffing needs, reviewing draft legislation, and initiating epidemiological studies. One way to fulfill these responsibilities was through periodic penetration surveys conducted by the national consultant to provincial consultants and heads of forensic medicine departments (ZMS). PURPOSE: The purpose of this report was to identify trends in the implementation of teaching tasks and the expert activities of university ZMSs based on periodic surveys initiated between 2011 and 2024. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The following national consultant inquiries were analyzed: annual survey of service activities covering the following areas of expertise (since 2011-present): forensic medical opinions; forensic toxicology examinations; forensic genetic analyses; assessment of teaching staff resources and personnel performing expert activities (2016, 2017, 2019, 2021, 2024); verification of research equipment availability (2016, 2021); inquiry regarding the availability of clinical consultants in matters concerning the assessment of the appropriateness of medical procedures (2022); monitoring the scope of teaching provided in individual Medical Schools, taking into account the teaching load in subsequent cycles of education (2016, 2019, 2021, 2024); as well as ongoing monitoring of specialization internships and training courses. RESULTS: The results of regularly repeated surveys enable the identification of trends in the academic model of practicing forensic medicine in Poland, the adaptation of resources to the projected demand for specialized expert services, and the harmonization of educational activities in the context of updating educational standards in medical fields. CONCLUSIONS: The national consultant's mandate does not include taking actions directly aimed at resolving current issues within the discipline. However, during the previous two terms, the author of the report repeatedly expressed his position on matters concerning the community of Polish medical doctors, geneticists, and forensic toxicologists. The data obtained during the aforementioned survey initiatives constituted key arguments in justifying the presented demands.
Comparison of the properties of synthetic and animal ballistic gelatine in forensic investigations.
Motrycz G, Helnarska KJ
Arch Med Sadowej Kryminol · 2025 · PMID 41814854 · Publisher ↗
INTRODUCTION: Ballistic gelatine is widely used as a medium for simulating human tissue in ballistic research. Its ability to faithfully replicate how tissue responds to projectile penetration makes it a valuable tool in...
INTRODUCTION: Ballistic gelatine is widely used as a medium for simulating human tissue in ballistic research. Its ability to faithfully replicate how tissue responds to projectile penetration makes it a valuable tool in ballistic trauma analysis. This article outlines its applications, traces the evolution of this research technique, and highlights its key limitations. Wound ballistics is a branch of terminal ballistics that focuses on the effects of projectile penetration into the human or animal body, specifically the behavior of projectiles within biological tissues. The material presented here examines and demonstrates the potential for imaging bullet behavior in soft- ‑tissue simulants, animal ballistic gelatine, and synthetic ballistic gelatine. The use of soft‑tissue simulants allows for the observation of temporal cavity formation and the assessment of wound physiology and injury severity. The material presented here addresses an existing information gap and outlines research opportunities in the field of terminal ballistics (wound ballistics). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Two soft‑tissue substitutes, animal ballistic gelatine and synthetic ballistic gelatine, were used. A ballistic experiment was selected as the research method, and the researcher employed analysis, comparison, synthesis, abstraction, and deduction as methodological approaches. During the experiment, physical parameters were recorded to evaluate the projectile's movement within the tissue. RESULTS: As a result of the experiment, significant differences were observed in the imaging of key wound‑ballistics parameters, including the entry and exit wounds, the permanent cavity, and the temporal cavity. CONCLUSIONS: Based on the answers to the research questions, the hypothesis can be confirmed: animal ballistic gelatine and synthetic ballistic gelatine, when used as soft‑tissue surrogates, demonstrate similar potential for reconstructing bullet penetration, but they differ in the level of detail with which injury characteristics are imaged.
Rare consequences of a single fist punch to the orbital region - a description of two cases.
Toruńska E, Engelgardt P, Szwajkowska M … +1 more , Krzyżanowski M
Arch Med Sadowej Kryminol · 2024 · PMID 39470759 · Publisher ↗
A direct punch with a clenched fist to the face most often results in soft tissue damage, which is usually not serious enough to be considered a severe health impairment. This article presents two cases in which a single...
A direct punch with a clenched fist to the face most often results in soft tissue damage, which is usually not serious enough to be considered a severe health impairment. This article presents two cases in which a single punch to the orbital region led to a blowout fracture. The first case resulted in additional displacement of the right lens into the vitreous body, secondary glaucoma and retinal detachment. In the second case, the victim sustained retinal concussion and subretinal haemorrhage due to choroidal rupture at the level of the macula resulting in temporary, almost complete loss of vision. Such injuries, although possible, are not typical of the mechanism described. In both cases, the effects meet the legal definition of impairment of the functioning of a bodily organ or disturbance of health lasting longer than 7 days within the meaning of the relevant article of the Polish Penal Code. Additionally, in the second case, we deal with exposure to direct danger - loss of vision in one eye (another severe disability) within the meaning of the relevant articles of the Polish Penal Code.
Fatal poisoning by dietary supplements accompanied by massive rhabdomyolysis and multiple organ failure.
Fogiel O, Rak M, Rak M … +5 more , Picheta S, Wachholz P, Skowronek R, Sein Anand J, Pawlas N
Arch Med Sadowej Kryminol · 2024 · PMID 39470758 · Publisher ↗
Obesity epidemic and prevailing standards of desired body shape encourage society to use weight loss aids. Thermogenics, which are dietary supplements aimed at increasing energy expenditure, are particularly gaining popu...
Obesity epidemic and prevailing standards of desired body shape encourage society to use weight loss aids. Thermogenics, which are dietary supplements aimed at increasing energy expenditure, are particularly gaining popularity. These preparations can be easily purchased without prescription and have a complex composition, which means they can interact with numerous substances. The article describes the case of a 31-year-old female patient who, in a suicide attempt, ingested significant amounts of the dietary supplements 'Blue Magic' and 'Purim'. Both supplements contain, among other ingredients: caffeine, yohimbine, reserpine, and synephrine. The patient developed multiple organ failure, which led to her death on the second day of hospitalization. Poisoning by dietary supplements, due to their diverse composition and the lack of correlation between the content and the composition declared by the manufacturer, can pose a significant threat to the health and life of consumers.
The role of computed tomography in post-mortem examinations.
Modzelewski W, Janica J
Arch Med Sadowej Kryminol · 2024 · PMID 39470757 · Publisher ↗
In the study, data from the literature regarding the use of computed tomography in post-mortem examinations (post-mortem computed tomography - PMCT) were analyzed. Literature data indicate that PMCT should be used as a c...
In the study, data from the literature regarding the use of computed tomography in post-mortem examinations (post-mortem computed tomography - PMCT) were analyzed. Literature data indicate that PMCT should be used as a complementary tool rather than an alternative to autopsy, detecting additional changes that may have been unnoticed due to anatomical location or the need to extend traditional autopsy techniques. The ability to save, create and reconstruct images is very helpful in creating documentation and final opinions. There is a need to develop standards for the evaluation of post-mortem computed tomography images, which will enable further development of virtual autopsy techniques in the field of forensic medicine, supported by artificial intelligence.
Analysis of suicide cases in post-mortem examination files of the Department of Forensic Medicine at the Medical University of Białystok in the years 2016-2021.
Francuziak A, Kulasza P, Kozłowska K … +4 more , Janica J, Cwalina U, Niemcunowicz-Janica A, Szeremeta M
Arch Med Sadowej Kryminol · 2024 · PMID 39470756 · Publisher ↗
THE AIM OF THE STUDY: The aim of the study is the analysis of suicides based on forensic autopsies and case files from the Department of Forensic Medicine at the Medical University of Białystok. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The...
THE AIM OF THE STUDY: The aim of the study is the analysis of suicides based on forensic autopsies and case files from the Department of Forensic Medicine at the Medical University of Białystok. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The number of forensic autopsies conducted at the Department of Forensic Medicine in Białystok in the years 2016-2021 equaled 2365. On the basis of post-mortem examinations and circumstances of deaths contained in the case files, 391 cases were qualified as suicides. The analysis accounted for gender, age, time, the dynamics of changes in the number of suicides over the years, the place of suicide, the method of committing suicide, and the state of sobriety. The data were subjected to statistical analysis using the following tests: Chi-square test of independence, Shapiro-Wilk test, Mann-Whitney U test, non-parametric Kruskal-Wallis ANOVA by ranks with post hoc multiple comparisons of mean ranks for all samples. A p-value of less than 0.05 was considered statistically significant. The calculations were performed using the Statistica 13.3 package from StatSoft. RESULTS: In the studied years, suicides accounted for 16.54% of all autopsies. In 82.09% of cases, the suicides were committed by men, and in 17.91% by women. It was found that individuals who chose suicide by poisoning were statistically significantly younger than those who chose suicide by jumping from a height (p=0.0035). A statistically significant correlation was found between gender and the preferred location for committing suicide (p=0.033). A statistically significant correlation was also found between gender and sobriety or the state after alcohol consumption (p=0.00008). CONCLUSIONS: The study shows that the main group of suicides still consists of men (82.09%). The age of women and men committing suicide did not differ significantly. Women were more likely to commit suicide in urban areas than men. Women were statistically significantly more likely to be sober or in a state after alcohol consumption at the time of committing suicide. The most commonly chosen method of suicide was death by hanging.
Sex determination and odontometric dimensions - A study of a North Indian population.
Chitara N, Krishan K
Arch Med Sadowej Kryminol · 2024 · PMID 39470755 · Publisher ↗
Sex determination is an indispensable parameter in identifying unknown deceased individuals. It can narrow down the chances of possible matches by 50%, providing a crucial lead in personal identification. In cases of com...
Sex determination is an indispensable parameter in identifying unknown deceased individuals. It can narrow down the chances of possible matches by 50%, providing a crucial lead in personal identification. In cases of commingled, decomposed, fragmented, charred and unidentifiable corpses, the importance of dental morphometrics cannot be overlooked due to the resistance of teeth to post-mortem degradation. Addressing this quality of teeth, a descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted in a North Indian population to evaluate sexual variations in dental dimensions and to identify the most sexually dimorphic dental dimension. The study included 207 participants (114 females and 93 males) in the age group of 21 to 45 years. Dental casts were prepared after obtaining informed consent from the participants and ethical clearance from the institute's ethical committee. Six odontometric dimensions, namely incisor-incisor distance, inter canine distance, combined width of central incisors, inter-premolar distance, inter-molar distance, and dental arch height of each participant were recorded on the dental casts using standard procedures. Analysis of the data elucidated the existence of statistically significant sexual dimorphism in the dental dimensions of the participants. The results of the discriminant function analysis show a sex determination accuracy of 68.1%, with a cross-validation accuracy of 65.2%. The study found the incisor-incisor distance to be the most sexually dimorphic trait, making it the best predictor of sex in the present population. The results of the present study may be helpful in sex determination and personal identification from dental remains in medico-legal and disaster victim identification cases.
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