Main description:

All too often, forensic pathologists perform autopsies that are limited only to the body parts that are suspect, leading to biased and inaccurate results. A correct diagnosis for cause of death can only be reached by a strict and systematic examination of the whole body. Providing a step-by-step, photo-assisted guide to complete autopsy procedures, "Forensic Autopsy: A Handbook and Atlas" commands the field in offering the most advanced and complete resource of its kind. Packed with more color photos than any other leading autopsy reference, this volume explores: external cadaver examination; organ removal methods; laboratory procedures; microscopy applications; new imaging techniques; pediatric and fetal autopsy; pre and postautopsy procedures; genetic disease and DNA diagnosis; and, autopsy protocol for the examination of the vertebral artery. From macroscopic to microscopic approaches, this volume provides detailed guidelines for performance of autopsy on every part of the human body. Using these standardized protocols and with the proper knowledge, training, and experience, pathologists can develop the skill needed to become experts in their field.

Contents:

A Methodological Approach to the External Examination, S. D'Errico Clothing Jewelry Tattoos Sex, Race, and Age Height and Weight Time of Death Indicators General Recommendations Head Examination Neck Examination Chest Examination Abdomen Examination Shoulder and Upper Extremities Lower Extremities and External Genitalia Dorsal and Lumbar Regions The Autopsy, C. Pomara, S. B. Karch, and V. Fineschi Adult Autopsy Primary Incision of the Soft Tissues of the Thoracic-Abdominal Wall Access to the Thoracic Cavity Evisceration According to Virchow's Technique Access to the Neck Region Evisceration According to Ghon's Technique (En Bloc) Access to the Face Access to the Abdominal Cavity The Letulle Technique: En Masse Removal The Virchow Technique Dissection of the Head Removal of the Brain Vertebral Resection and Cord Removal Arm Dissection Leg Dissection Macroscopic Examination and Resection of the Resected Organs Pediatric and Fetal Autopsies, I. Riezzo The External Examination Removal of the Brain Access to the Chest Evisceration Methods Examination of the Placenta Histological Sections Laboratory Technologies and Methodologies, F. Bucchieri, F. Rappa, and F. Cappello Introduction Specimen Collection Techniques Fixation Inclusion Technique Frozen Sections Embedding Methods: Paraffin Other Embedding Media General Staining Procedures Histochemical Stainings Mounting Procedures Immunohistochemistry Beyond and Together with Autopsy Techniques: Confocal Laser Scanning Microscopy in Forensic Medicine, M. Neri Postmortem Radiology and Digital Imaging, S. D'Errico, V. G. Guglielmi, and C. Pomara Radiography Computed Tomography and "Virtopsy" Magnetic Nuclear Resonance (MNR) Imaging Genetic Disease and DNA Diagnosis, C. Pomara, S. B. Karch, and V. Fineschi Sudden Cardiac Death and Genetic Disease Diagnostic Techniques The Future of Large-Scale Screening Techniques Autopsy Protocol for the Examination of the V3-V4 Segments of the Vertebral Artery: The Introna-Corrado Method, F. Introna and S. Corrado Index