Nursel TÜRKMEN, Bülent EREN and Ümit Naci GÜNDOĞMUŞ

ABSTRACT

The reported case was a 84-year-old male, dead after a traffic accident. The death was considered to be suspicious by prosecutor and an autopsy was mandated. In macroscopic autopsy investigation left tibia, fibula and multiple rib fractures, widespread seborrheic keratoses, and hyperpigmented skin lesions were detected. In the left chest cavity blood content and white colored lesions spread on the left parietal pleura and chest surface of the thoracic diaphragm were observed. The histological examination of the pleural lesions revealed fibrotic hyalinized structures with calcified foci. Investigation of pleural plaques in forensic autopsy is important for scientific classification of this interesting entity.

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Filiz EREN, Nursel Türkmen İNANIR, Recep FEDAKAR, Bülent EREN and Murat Serdar GÜRSES

ABSTRACT

Magnesite (MgCO₃ ) is a mineral which is theoretically composed of 52.2% CO₂ , 47.8% MgO, and very scarce amounts of Fe₂ O₃ with a degree of hardness varying between 3.4-4.5 kgf, and specific gravity of 2.9-3.1 g/cm³ . Its color varies between white, yellow or gray, and brown. Magnesite is used in agriculture, and drug industry, brick, iron-steel, paper, and sugar industries. Our case was a 30-year-old male whose dead was reportedly associated with exposure to 2700°C molten magnesite in the melting potansiyel of the plant where he was working as a metal worker. At autopsy, on external examination, except from his left forearm, all over his body was charred from severe burns. Both of his legs from ankles, and right forearm from its middle third were nearly amputated, and body muscles were partly detached because of high temperature. Widespread areas of thermal rupture were observed. On internal examination scalded appearance of internal organs was noted. Blood, and urine analysis did not reveal any substance abuse. Herein, we have aimed to discuss, and evaluate dead events because of exposure to very high temperatures from the perspective of forensic medicine, and occupational safety.

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