Experimental evaluation of rigor mortis. VII. Effect of ante- and post-mortem electrocution on the evolution of rigor mortis.

Details

Serval ID
serval:BIB_E00D3D110B1F
Type
Article: article from journal or magazin.
Publication sub-type
Case report (case report): feedback on an observation with a short commentary.
Collection
Publications
Institution
Title
Experimental evaluation of rigor mortis. VII. Effect of ante- and post-mortem electrocution on the evolution of rigor mortis.
Journal
Forensic Science International
Author(s)
Krompecher T., Bergerioux C.
ISSN
0379-0738
Publication state
Published
Issued date
1988
Volume
38
Number
1-2
Pages
27-35
Language
english
Abstract
The influence of electrocution on the evolution of rigor mortis was studied on rats. Our experiments showed that: (1) Electrocution hastens the onset of rigor mortis. After an electrocution of 90 s, a complete rigor develops already 1 h post-mortem (p.m.) compared to 5 h p.m. for the controls. (2) Electrocution hastens the passing of rigor mortis. After an electrocution of 90 s, the first significant decrease occurs at 3 h p.m. (8 h p.m. in the controls). (3) These modifications in rigor mortis evolution are less pronounced in the limbs not directly touched by the electric current. (4) In case of post-mortem electrocution, the changes are slightly less pronounced, the resistance is higher and the absorbed energy is lower as compared with the ante-mortem electrocution cases. The results are completed by two practical observations on human electrocution cases.
Keywords
Adult, Animals, Electric Injuries, Female, Humans, Male, Rats, Rigor Mortis, Suicide, Thigh, Time Factors
Pubmed
Web of science
Create date
08/02/2008 18:44
Last modification date
20/08/2019 17:04
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