Death associated with volatile substance inhalation - Histologic scanning electron microscopic and energy dispersive X-ray spectral analyses of lung tissue

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dc.contributor.authorByard, R.
dc.contributor.authorGilbert, J.
dc.contributor.authorTerlet, J.
dc.date.issued2007
dc.descriptionCopyright © 2006 Elsevier Ireland Ltd All rights reserved.
dc.description.abstractThe investigation of deaths due to the inhalation of volatile substances may be complicated by a lack of scene and autopsy findings. Mechanisms of death may not be determinable at autopsy, and there may be very few markers of inhalant abuse. A 21-year-old man is reported who died from the combined effects of methadone toxicity and toluene inhalation. Histological examination of the lungs revealed congestion and edema, as well as particles of blue, pigmented material within the interstitium and in macrophages. Scanning electron microscopy was undertaken, revealing that the particles contained granules that measured 0.15-0.2microm in diameter, within the range of mean particle sizes for inorganic paint pigments. Energy dispersive X-ray spectral analysis of the granules demonstrated a significant percentage of titanium (12%) confirming their origin from paint. Ancillary investigations such as electron microscopy and X-ray spectral analysis in cases of possible lethal volatile inhalation may prove useful adjuncts in determining the type of substance inhaled and in providing evidence of previous non-lethal episodes.
dc.description.statementofresponsibilityRoger W. Byard, John D. Gilbert and John Terlet
dc.description.urihttp://www.elsevier.com/wps/find/journaldescription.cws_home/505512/description#description
dc.identifier.citationForensic Science International, 2007; 171(2-3):118-121
dc.identifier.doi10.1016/j.forsciint.2006.10.008
dc.identifier.issn0379-0738
dc.identifier.issn1872-6283
dc.identifier.orcidByard, R. [0000-0002-0524-5942]
dc.identifier.urihttp://hdl.handle.net/2440/44199
dc.language.isoen
dc.publisherElsevier Sci Ireland Ltd
dc.source.urihttps://doi.org/10.1016/j.forsciint.2006.10.008
dc.subjectLung
dc.subjectMacrophages
dc.subjectHumans
dc.subjectPulmonary Edema
dc.subjectSubstance-Related Disorders
dc.subjectForeign Bodies
dc.subjectAluminum
dc.subjectTitanium
dc.subjectToluene
dc.subjectMethadone
dc.subjectNarcotics
dc.subjectSolvents
dc.subjectMicroscopy, Electron, Scanning
dc.subjectSpectrum Analysis
dc.subjectAdministration, Inhalation
dc.subjectForensic Pathology
dc.subjectPaint
dc.subjectAdult
dc.subjectMale
dc.titleDeath associated with volatile substance inhalation - Histologic scanning electron microscopic and energy dispersive X-ray spectral analyses of lung tissue
dc.typeJournal article
pubs.publication-statusPublished

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