Work

Intraoral gunshot injury associated with soot in the deep airways

Year: 2024

Type: article

Abstract: In suicidal gunshots to the head, the oral cavity ranks among the preferred entrance sites. If the weapon's muzzle end is located within the mouth, it is to be expected that the cartridge discharge residues are deposited on the buccal and palatal mucosa, the tongue and the pharynx, often in combination with tears of the lips due to the expanding combustion gases. Ensuing from the bullet entrance wound and any concomitant injuries, blood is released into the upper airways and subsequently aspirated into the lung periphery provided that respiration continues for at least a short time. Evidently, this impedes the detection of additional soot deposits in the trachea, bronchi and alveoli. Using the example of an intraoral gunshot with a revolver cal. 357 Magnum, the paper points out that in individual cases it may be possible to prove the presence of gunshot residues in the deep airways.

Source: Legal Medicine

DOI: 10.1016/j.legalmed.2024.102533

Authors: Markus Große Perdekamp, Dominik Schuldis, Angela Cornacchia, Katrin Mierdel, Stefan Pollak

Institutions: University of Freiburg, University of Bologna, Landesregierung von Baden-Württemberg

Language: English

Topic: Autopsy Techniques and Outcomes

Subfield: Radiology, Nuclear Medicine and Imaging

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $3,540