Drownings

Question 1

Main mechanisms of death in near-drownings

Answer 1

Fresh water:
- hemodilution of Na and K
- Red cell hemolysis with Hb in renal tubules

Salt: hemoconcentration

Anoxic brain injury

Question 2

Immersion artefacts

Answer 2

Goose flesh
Wrinkled soles and palms
Degloving
Adipocere
Pink hypostatis if cold water

Question 3

Injuries that can occur in body recovered from water

Answer 3

Predation
Propeller injuries
Body hitting objects on the descent
Body hitting rocks under water
Body moved against objects in the water

Question 4

Autopsy findings associated with drownings

Answer 4

• Foam cone frome nose and mouth
• Distended, edematous lungs, with rib indentations and kissing lungs
• Foreign bodies in the respiratory tract
• Water in stomach
• Aspiration of gasrtic contents
• Cerebral edema
• Fluid in the sphenoid sinuses

Question 5

Name some of the drowning tests (no clear valid tests)

Answer 5

• Difference in Na and Cl in R and L heart
• Difference in specific gravity in R and L heart
• Mg level in vitreous fluid in salt water drownin
• Difference in Mg level in R and L heart
• Diatom test