NEGLECT, ABUSE OR PATHOLOGY – CASE STUDY OF AN INTRACRANIAL HEMATOMA


Authors: Feodor Odzhakov, AleksandrinaVlahova, Diyana Belezhanska, Aleksandar Apostolov
Keywords: head trauma, abuse, neglect

Abstract:
Introduction
Establishing the mechanism and time of trauma is of paramount importance in forensic medical
practice. Intracranial hematomas are usually difficult to interpret, especially when they are isolated.
Materials and Methods
The study presents a case of forensic autopsy on the body of a 5-month-old baby in the
Department of Forensic Medicine and Deontology at University Hospital Aleksandrovska – Sofia.
Samples from the internal organs have been obtained for additional histological examination. All
relevant medical documents since birth have been examined and compared to the morphological
findings.
Results
On external examination signs for hypotrophy and a head trauma have been established.
Histological findings have been persuasive for acute inflammatory response in both lungs and
myocardium. Upon examination of the medical documentation, data for epileptic seizure during
treatment in another hospital 2 days prior to death has been registered. Even though the social
background of the child has been controversial for both abuse and neglect, it has been concluded that
the epileptic seizure has caused the head trauma and the cause of death is not related to it.
Discussion
This case study focuses on the importance of preliminary information in forensic medical practice
and the variety of possible interpretations of trauma if such is scarce or lacking.
Conclusion
Interpretation of mechanism and time of any trauma in forensic medicine should be performed
only after all the necessary information is present, not only based on its morphological appearance.Download article