Sri Lankan Journal of Forensic Medicine,Science & Law

Permanent URI for this collectionhttps://ir.lib.pdn.ac.lk/handle/20.500.14444/275

Browse

Now showing 1 - 20 of 99

Drowning associated diatoms in Sri Lanka
(University of Peradeniya, 2010) Gunatilake, P.G.L; Gooneratne, Induwara
This study aims to identify drowning-associated diatoms (DADs) in suspected drowning cases in Sri Lanka, as diatom analysis can help distinguish drowning from other causes of death. Thirty-five tissue samples from drowning victims, including lungs, kidneys, and bone marrow, were analyzed using the nitric acid digestion and centrifuge method. The most frequently identified genus was Cyclotella, followed by Navicula and Nitzschia, with additional genera such as Frustulia , Gomphonema, Pinnularia, Cymbella, and Cocconeis also detected. The shape, size, and flexibility of the diatom cell wall influence its ability to penetrate lung tissues and enter the bloodstream. While diatom presence in tissues can indicate drowning, it is important to consider the potential for diatoms to be present in the body under normal conditions, particularly in those who drink untreated water. This study documents the common diatom genera associated with drowning in Sri Lanka, providing valuable forensic insight for future investigations.
A Death on surgical table due to renal tumor embolism : A Case Report
(University of Peradeniya, Sri Lanka, 2011) Hulathduwa, S. R.
This case report discusses the rare and fatal occurrence of pulmonary embolism caused by a renal cell carcinoma (RCC) tumor embolus during a nephrectomy in a 45-year-old male farmer from Sri Lanka. The patient presented with a left abdominal mass, loin pain, and painless hematuria, and was diagnosed with RCC, which had extended into the renal vein and inferior vena cava. Despite successful nephrectomy, the patient became hemodynamically unstable and suffered a cardiac arrest. Surgical exploration revealed a saddle thrombus obstructing the pulmonary trunk, which was consistent with a tumor embolus from the RCC. Despite resuscitation efforts, the patient died on the table. The autopsy confirmed the presence of clear cell carcinoma and identified the cause of death as pulmonary tumor embolism. This case highlights the rare yet fatal risk of tumor embolism during surgery for RCC and underscores the importance of medico-legal autopsy in determining the cause of death in such cases.
An uncommon cause for a sudden postoperative death : a case report
(University of Peradeniya, Sri Lanka, 2011) Dayapala, A; Fernando, J
This case report highlights a rare cause of sudden postoperative death in a 24-year-old female who underwent a near-total thyroidectomy for a benign thyroid nodule. The patient experienced sudden cardiac arrest shortly after being transferred to the ward post-surgery, despite resuscitative efforts. The autopsy revealed a previously undiagnosed Arrhythmogenic Right Ventricular Dysplasia (ARVD), characterized by severe fatty infiltration of the right ventricular myocardium, which was the likely cause of her fatal arrhythmia. A small atrial septal defect (ASD) was also identified, though it was not considered a significant contributing factor. ARVD is an autosomal dominant condition that can remain undiagnosed until sudden death occurs, particularly in its concealed phase, making it challenging to detect in routine preoperative assessments. This case underscores the importance of histopathological evaluation in unexplained postoperative deaths and highlights the limitations of standard investigations in detecting ARVD.
Do rituals violate the rights of the mentally ill patient?
(University of Peradeniya, Sri Lanka, 2011) Dias, G.S.S.R.; Gooneratne, I
This study examines the ethical, medico-legal, and human rights challenges associated with ritualistic management practices for psychiatric patients in Sri Lanka. Health-seeking behaviors in Sri Lanka are heavily influenced by traditional practices and cultural beliefs, with many patients seeking ritualistic treatments before resorting to allopathic care. These rituals, which range from physically demanding procedures like walking on live charcoal to more subtle practices such as the use of charms, are often performed without proper consent and can result in significant physical and emotional harm. The study highlights cases where patients have been subjected to abusive rituals, including forced physical restraints and harmful practices carried out by ritualistic healers, sometimes with the family’s proxy consent. The lack of regulatory oversight and legal frameworks governing these practices exacerbates the risk of patient rights violations. The article further explores the issues surrounding informed consent, patient autonomy, and the consequences of neglecting medical treatment. It calls for legislative and policy reforms to ensure better protection of patients' rights, while also considering cultural values and beliefs. By advocating for a more integrated approach, the study emphasizes the need for collaboration between ritualistic healers and medical professionals to create a balanced, safe, and culturally sensitive healthcare system for psychiatric patients in Sri Lanka.
Development of a low cost in-house method for the analysis of human y-chromosomal mini STR LOCI DYS19, DYS390 and DYS388
(University of Peradeniya, 2010) Gajanayaka, Anushika T.; Markalanda, Dinuka; Hettiarachchi, Priyani; Fernandopulle, Neil D.; Illepruma, Ruwan J.
Repeated episodes of physical child abuse : is the existing system on managing child abuse defective in Sri Lanka?
(University of Peradeniya, 2010) Fernando, D.M.G.; Edussuriya, D.H.; Dayaratne, K.M.P.L.
Analysis of the domestic legal framework in relation to the right to health for internally displaced persons in Sri Lanka
(University of Peradeniya, Sri Lanka, 2013) Wickramage, Kolitha; Senavirathne, Wasantha
We critically examine Sri Lanka’s current legal framework to examine the extent to which the ‘right to health’ is stipulated specifically for those conflict affected internally displaced persons (IDPs) living within IDP camp settings. Understanding the domestic legal frameworks pertaining to the right to health may be useful for those professionals working at the nexus of legal medicine and human rights in Sri Lanka and advancing gaps in knowledge in this area.
Achieving better patient care through clinico-pathologic relationship between forensic medicine and other clinical disciplines
(University of Peradeniya, Sri Lanka, 2013) Hulathduwa, S. R.; Ariyarathne, D.
No branch or sub-specialty of medicine could be practiced individually and independently from others. The ultimate purpose of practice of medicine is towards service to mankind both alive and dead. Ahealthy relationship between Forensic Medicine and other clinical disciplines leads to a mutually rewarding situation. This paper outlines such clinic-pathologic relationships between forensic medicine and other clinical disciplines for better patient care in Sri Lanka.
An unusual case of infanticide by internal compression of airways : a case report
(University of Peradeniya, Sri Lanka, 2013) Ruwanpura, R.; Amararatne, S.; Dhahanayake, K.
In Sri Lanka, as in many other jurisdictions, infanticide refers to killing of a newborn below 12 months in age, by his biological mother. Methods used in infant homicides range in a vast spectrum, including acts of omissions, asphyxia, poisoning, drowning, suffocation, and sharp and blunt force injuries etc. Internal examination revealed a “Suraya” [a cylindrical metallic object around 1cm in diameter and 5cm in length, which is used as a protective agent from evil omens] passed into the mid third of the oesophagus. The cause of death is attributed to compression of respiratory tracts due to foreign body in the oesophagus. The mother of the infant is a known psychiatric patient since six months prior to the incident.
Salivary biomarkers and their applicability in forensic identification
(University of Peradeniya, Sri Lanka, 2013) Rajshekar, M.; Tennant, M.; Thejaswini, B.D. S.
The constant advancement of forensic analyses has evolved into a snowball with new questions arising and solutions being looked for everyday. Forensic odontology has come a long way in understanding bite marks, its mechanism and other related factors. In general, bitemark analysis is more than often centralized on imprints of teeth on skin or food substances. What we need to understand is not all the time an entire set of dental marks is available for analysis. An adjuvant is essential to heighten the analysis and arrive at a more convincing result with a scientific backing. Saliva is an integral part of any oral cavity and is the principal focus of this paper. We intend to understand salivary manifestations of diseases and advocate the use of human saliva to identify diseases that may lead us to the suspect in cases involving bite mark analysis.
A study on detainees : Effects of war on health and rights
(University of Peradeniya, Sri Lanka, 2013) Warushahennadi, J.; Perera, W. N. S.; Paranitharan, P.
The recently concluded 'war' in Sri Lanka has cost thousands of lives and disabled many people. A proportion of the disabled people and some able men and women are still languishing in detention centers awaiting retribution for their suspected crimes. Since most of them are “hardcore LTTE cadres”, 'human rights' activists keep continuous vigil on them to see whether they are maltreated. Medico-legal examinations are routinely performed on them in the following occasions, immediately after taking into custody, prior to release into the community and before and after confession. A retrospective study was carried out on 50 cases by reviewing Medico Legal documents of detainees who have been referred for medico- legal examination. Out of 50 cases analyzed majority (98%) of the detainees were young males with mean age of 35 1⁄2 years and from the Northern Province. Most of them had participated in war (74%) and having consequences of war related injuries. 94 % of them were detained for more than 3 months in the detention camp and almost all of them didn't declare ill treatment during their detention. There were no convicted individuals in the sample population. There are severe effects of war injuries on detainees such as amputated extremities (4%), post traumatic epilepsy (10%) and multiple scars following shrapnel or firearm injuries (58%). They do not complain on mal treatment while in detention. However due process of trial is needed as early as possible to safeguard their rights.
Stature estimation from the anthropometric measurements of foot outline in adult indigenous melanau ethnics of East Malaysia by regression analysis
(University of Peradeniya, Sri Lanka, 2013) Khan, H. B. M. A.; Moorthy, T. N.
A person’s stature is an identifying characteristic in forensic investigation. Footprint is the one of the valuable physical evidence encountered in the crime scenes. Analysis of footprints helps in estimation of an individual’s stature because of the existence of strong correlation between foot impression and height. Foot impressions are still found at crime scenes, since offenders often tend to remove their footwear either to avoid noise or to gain better grip in climbing walls, etc., while entering or exiting. In Asian countries like India, Malaysia, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Indonesia, there are people who still have the habit of walking barefoot. The footprint provides the size dimensions of the foot’s plantar surface actually touching the floor or hard surface, which produces a two- dimensional footprint while foot outline provides the size parameters of the fleshed bare foot and also represents the boundaries of the foot’s impression in soft soil, mud, or any other substances that produces a three-dimensional footprint impression. The review of literature revealed that very limited studies were conducted on stature estimation from foot outline measurements. Most of the foot/foot impression studies have been conducted on mixed population. The researchers cautioned that racial and cultural aspects of foot morphology must be considered while conducting the foot impression study. In stature estimation using foot impression, formulae derived for a particular population is erroneous to apply for other populations. Hence the present study aims to derive population specific equations to estimate stature from foot outlines of indigenous Melanau ethnics of East Malaysia.
Necrotizing soft tissue infection caused by community acquired methicillin resistant staphylococcus aureus : an emerging deadly entity
(University of Peradeniya, Sri Lanka, 2014) Fernando, D.M. G.; Ratnatunga, C. N.; Athapaththu, R.
A 42 year old male presented with a 5 day history of minor trauma to the left upper limb, followed by progressively increasing pain, swelling and discoloration of skin. On examination, the patient was found to be septic and died within 24 hours of admission, despite aggressive surgical management. Postmortem examination revealed extensive necrosis of the upper limb and chest wall muscles. Culture of swabs taken from spleen and affected muscle groups yielded a pure growth of Methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). The necessity for early diagnosis and appropriate antibiotic treatment in necrotizing soft tissue infections as well as the emergence of community acquired MRSA as a potential pathogenis highlighted in this case.
Indoor postmortem animal scavenging : a case report
(University of Peradeniya, Sri Lanka, 2014) Weeratna, J. B.; Amararathna, S.; Ranasinghe, R. A. S. K.; Vidanapathirana, M.
Discovery of decomposed bodies in domestic setting is not an uncommon occurrence. However postmortem animal scavenging of their owner is not commonly reported but can occur when the main predisposing factors are social isolation, living with free pets in the house and a medical condition causing sudden death.
Fatal deliberate self harm in Manipal, India : autopsy study
(University of Peradeniya, Sri Lanka, 2014) Shetty, C. K.; Palimar, V.; Bhagavath, P.; Kumar, G. P.
Fatal deliberate self harm (FDSH) or Suicide is a devastating act causing a great deal of suffering to survivors, relatives, friends and other people near to the victim of suicide. It is also a public health problem causing loss of life years, particularly in young people. In most countries suicide is condemned for cultural or religious reasons and surrounded by taboo (WHO 2002). The present study sample consisted of 656 cases of fatal deliberate self harm (FDSH) out of the 3571 total autopsy cases. The occurrence of FDSH was 18.37% of all the medico-legal autopsies conducted (3571 cases) during the study period (1992-2012). The present study shows that the people of all age groups were involved. The highest incidence was amongst the 21–30 years (35.06 %) followed by 31–40 years (19.35 %). Male victims predominated .Of these 656 cases, 436 (66.5%) were males and 220 (33.5%) were females. Present study predicts marriage as being one of the important risk factors for suicide. 417 cases out of 656 cases (57.3 %) were married. Most of the victims belonged to the Hindu religion (86.4 %) followed by Christians (8.4 %) and Muslims (3.7 %). When we look at the presence of any past illness, 174 cases (26.5%) were having some form of chronic physical and mental disorders at the time of committing suicides. Although seasonal variation is not much, however the present study reveals highest number of cases in summer season (36.1%), followed by the winter, the rainy season. Despair with life due to financial restraints and family and marital disharmony constituting 79 % of the total cases was the most common motive for FDSH. 74.4 % of the total victims in the present study used chemicals for terminating their lives and only 26.8 % of the study group used physical methods for committing FDSH. Amongst those who opted for physical methods, hanging was the most common (15.6 %) followed by burns (7.1 %). Among the poisoning cases, organ phosphorus poisoning (51 %) was the most commonly used method for suicide
Reconstruction of hit-and-run vehicle type based on un-common run-over injuries
(University of Peradeniya, Sri Lanka, 2015) Vidanapathirana, M.; Gunethilake, K.M.T.B.
The main objective of investigations in hit-and-run accidents is to trace the vehicle. This is a significant challenge when there is no eye witness. It is easy when vehicle is a car or heavy vehicle since it leaves expected injury patterns. Following case discussion is based on a body found roadside with un-common run-over injuries. An unidentified body with injuries was found roadside in supine position. There were no eyewitnesses. Autopsy revealed three groups of injuries; crushed fractures in feet, crushed laceration over the pubic area with underlying major vessels damage, and superficial abrasions over knees. Distance from feet to knee injuries was 23 inches and to pelvic injuries 46 inches. Stomach had liquor smell. Two areas of crushed injuries with almost injury free area in-between suggest run-over by two tires. The distance between two crush injuries was 4 feet and was compatible with rear wheels of a three-wheeler. Injuries over knees were not severe and were situated midway between two severe injuries and were compatible with front tire of three- wheeler. The deceased would have been in lying position probably under the influence of alcohol. However, there were no tire marks, paint or glass fragments etc for specific identification of the three wheeler.
An analytical study on socio-demographic and medico - legal factors of victims of sexual assault from the Central and Sabaragamuwa provinces in Sri Lanka
(University of Peradeniya, Sri Lanka, 2015) Vadysighe, A. N.; Senasinghe, D. P. P.; Attygalle, U.; Abeysekara, A. M. G.; Gunasena, M. D. P.; Ratnayake, R. M. U. C.; Ilangarathna Banda, Y. M. G.
Sexual assaults that have shown an alarming rise are a serious public health problem with hazardous socioeconomic and health related consequences. International studies have shown that young girls from poor socioeconomic and low educational level are at highest risk. Though we experience the same in Sri Lanka only few studies are available in the literature. The study objectives were to determine the socio-demographic factors and medico-legal aspects such as type of act, relationship to the assailant, place of the incident, economic group, time of the incident and examination in cases of sexual assault. The study was conducted on sexually abused individuals who reported to hospitals in Central and Sabaragamuwa provinces for medico-legal examination during the period between April 2007 and June 2012. Data was collected using a questionnaire by specialists and trainees in Forensic Medicine, maintaining professional standards. Data was analyzed using Microsoft Excel software. Among 282 sexually assaulted victims, 96% were females. 81% were less than 18 years of age and among them, 43% were in 12-16 years age group. 71.13% were from school going population. 71.63% were from low socioeconomic group. 96% knew the assailant and 36% were boyfriends. 34% occurred in victim’s house. 56% claimed vaginal penetration. 6% were examined within 24 hours of the incident and 52% after 1 week. In our study, most victims are young, school going females belonging to low socioeconomic group. In majority of assaults, assailant was a known person and it has occurred in a place known to the victim. Common allegation was vaginal intercourse. There was a considerable delay in time between the incident and examination which would have led to the destruction of very important medical evidence. According to this study, young school children and low socioeconomic group cannot be excluded in formulating effective preventive programs against sexual violence.
Defining and comprehending child abuse at present times : an appraisal
(University of Peradeniya, Sri Lanka, 2010) Kudagammana, S. T.
Abstract not available
Chemical and biological warfare
(University of Peradeniya, 2010) Fernando, D.M.G.; De Alwis, L.B.L.
Abstract not available
A café coronary death due to a ‘Banana’
(University of Peradeniya, Sri Lanka, 2010) Edirisinghe, P.A.S.
Café Coronary syndrome which was first reported as sudden collapse at restaurants while dining was found to be due to fatal occlusion of upper airway by large pieces of food. Many of those individuals had consumed large amounts of alcohol prior to the incident. However, same condition has also been noticed among institutionalized elderly with dementia and psychiatric conditions. This is an un-witnessed death of a café coronary syndrome , where a 70 year old man after having dinner with his children previous night found dead next day morning in his bed. At autopsy a blob of mucoid secretions were found at right nostril and a piece of banana weighing 21g was found impacted within the laryngophrarynx, occluding the air way. He was edentulous. This case highlights the need of being aware of the condition especially in the elderly with mastication problems due to lack of teeth and other deglutition problems.

Browse

Recent Submissions