Genetic analysis of sudden cardiac death victims: a survey of current forensic autopsy practices.

Details

Ressource 1Download: 20535491_pp_cover.pdf (538.96 [Ko])
State: Public
Version: Author's accepted manuscript
Serval ID
serval:BIB_EC4A4E018170
Type
Article: article from journal or magazin.
Collection
Publications
Institution
Title
Genetic analysis of sudden cardiac death victims: a survey of current forensic autopsy practices.
Journal
International journal of legal medicine
Author(s)
Michaud K., Mangin P., Elger B.S.
ISSN
1437-1596 (Electronic)
ISSN-L
0937-9827
Publication state
Published
Issued date
05/2011
Peer-reviewed
Oui
Volume
125
Number
3
Pages
359-366
Language
english
Notes
Publication types: Journal Article
Publication Status: ppublish
Abstract
Autopsy-negative sudden cardiac deaths (SCD) seen in forensic practice are most often thought to be the result of sudden arrhythmic death syndrome. Postmortem genetic analysis is recommended in such cases, but is currently performed in only a few academic centers. In order to determine actual current practice, an on-line questionnaire was sent by e-mail to members of various forensic medical associations. The questions addressed routine procedures employed in cases of sudden cardiac death (autopsy ordering, macroscopic and microscopic cardiac examination, conduction tissue examination, immunohistochemistry and electron microscopy, biochemical markers, sampling and storage of material for genetic analyses, toxicological analyses, and molecular autopsy). Some questions concerned the legal and ethical aspects of genetic analyses in postmortem examinations, as well as any existing multidisciplinary collaborations in SCD cases. There were 97 respondents, mostly from European countries. Genetic testing in cases of sudden cardiac death is rarely practiced in routine forensic investigation. Approximately 60% of respondents reported not having the means to perform genetic postmortem testing and 40% do not collect adequate material to perform these investigations at a later date, despite working at university hospitals. The survey demonstrated that many of the problems involved in the adequate investigation of SCD cases are often financial in origin, due to the fact that activities in forensic medicine are often paid by and dependent on the judicial authorities. Problems also exist concerning the contact with family members and/or the family doctor, as well as the often-nonexistent collaboration with others clinicians with special expertise beneficial in the investigation of SCD cases, such as cardiologists and geneticists. This study highlights the importance in establishing guidelines for molecular autopsies in forensic medicine.
Keywords
Autopsy/methods, Data Collection, Death, Sudden, Cardiac/pathology, Female, Forensic Genetics, Forensic Pathology, Heart Diseases/genetics, Humans, Male, Myocardium/pathology
Pubmed
Web of science
Create date
14/03/2011 17:10
Last modification date
20/08/2019 16:14
Usage data