Please use this identifier to cite or link to this item: https://hdl.handle.net/2440/81214
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Type: Journal article
Title: Pathological changes in the thyroid gland in crush asphyxia
Author: Byard, R.
Citation: Forensic Science Medicine and Pathology, 2013; 9(4):568-572
Publisher: Humana Press, Inc.
Issue Date: 2013
ISSN: 1547-769X
1556-2891
Statement of
Responsibility: 
Roger W. Byard
Abstract: To determine whether crush asphyxia may be associated with macro- and microscopic changes in the thyroid gland, four cases of death due to crush asphyxia were evaluated where the decedents (males aged 36, 37, 45, and 65 years respectively) suffered lethal chest compressions. The diagnosis of crush asphyxia in each case was suggested by the death scene description and confirmed by the finding of injuries to the torso, with marked congestion of the face, neck, and upper body associated with petechial and subconjunctival hemorrhages. In addition to other pathological findings, each decedent had intense congestion of their thyroid gland resulting in a dark/black appearance. Microscopically, stromal capillaries were engorged, with bulging of capillaries into the follicles. Rupture of these small vessels had created focal intrafollicular aggregates of erythrocytes within the colloid. As intense suffusion of the thyroid gland with blood in cases of crush asphyxia may impart an appearance of "black thyroid" this may be another feature of this condition to look for at autopsy, in addition to intrafollicular blood lakes on histology.
Keywords: Black thyroid
Crush asphyxia
Blood lake
Thyroid
Congestion
Rights: © Springer Science+Business Media New York 2013
DOI: 10.1007/s12024-013-9462-2
Published version: http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s12024-013-9462-2
Appears in Collections:Aurora harvest 4
Pathology publications

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