Estimation of the post-mortem interval: a review.

Juan Luis Ruiz L��pez, Manuel Partido Navadijo
Author Information
  1. Juan Luis Ruiz L��pez: Dpto. de Nutrici��n y Bromatolog��a, Toxicolog��a y Medicina Legal, ��rea de Medicina Legal y Forense, Universidad de Sevilla, Avda. Dr. Fedriani, s/n, Sevilla 41009, Spain.
  2. Manuel Partido Navadijo: Dpto. de Nutrici��n y Bromatolog��a, Toxicolog��a y Medicina Legal, ��rea de Medicina Legal y Forense, Universidad de Sevilla, Avda. Dr. Fedriani, s/n, Sevilla 41009, Spain. Electronic address: mpartido@us.es.

Abstract

Determination of the time of death and post-mortem interval (PMI) is a major task for Legal and Forensic Medicine, given the implications it entails. In this respect, depending on the proximity to the moment of death, this PMI estimation will be simpler or more complex. Traditionally, the estimation of the PMI has centred upon the analysis of corporeal rigidity, body temperature and the concentration of potassium within the vitreous humour. However, in recent years, innovative methodologies that facilitate an increasingly precise prediction of the PMI have been developed. Therefore, this article aims to compile and present a comprehensive overview of these PMI estimation techniques, in order to serve as a basic guide and reference point to understand the latest advances in this area, as well as to identify their limitations and to explore the potential future directions of this discipline.

Keywords

MeSH Term

Humans
Postmortem Changes
Vitreous Body
Potassium
Forensic Pathology
Body Temperature

Chemicals

Potassium

Word Cloud

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