Peculiar radiopaque foreign body in the upper aerodigestive tract in a newborn corpse from the Indian Ocean. (March 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Chapenoire, Stéphane; Braccini, Saverio; Krämer, Karl; Hauret, Laurent; Jordana, Fabienne; Agostini, Charles; Schuliar, Yves
• Is Part Of: Journal of forensic radiology and imaging. Volume 12(2017)
• Page Start: 68
• Page End: 71
• Publication Date: 2018-03
• Subjects: Newborn -- Post-mortem computed tomography -- Foreign body -- Radiopaque sand -- Drowning; Forensic radiography -- Periodicals; Magnetic resonance imaging -- Periodicals; Diagnostic imaging -- Periodicals; Diagnostic imaging; Forensic radiography; Magnetic resonance imaging; Periodicals; 614.1
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jofri.2017.12.001
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2212-4780

Abstract

Abstract: The authors present a single case report illustrating on the body of a newborn found on the seashore of the island of Mayotte in the Indian Ocean, the diagnostic difficulties inherent in the detection during the post-mortem scan of a voluminous highly radiopaque foreign body in the upper aerodigestive tract. The internal examination has highlighted black sand in abundance in the upper aerodigestive tract. The CT scanning of a sand sample from the lagoon shore confirmed its high-density radiopaque nature. In a specialized laboratory, the magnetic part of this sample was investigated by means of energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS), powder X-ray diffraction (XRD), and Mössbauer spectroscopy. The mineral composition is dominantly magnetite (Fe3 O4 ) but contrary to pure magnetite, a relevant fraction of titanium was detected. This case demonstrates how post-mortem CT may lead to inappropriate diagnosis and highlights the interest of the physicochemical study in the forensic context. Highlights: Post-mortem CT scan (PMCT) may lead to an inappropriate diagnosis. Wet sand may mimic a mono-block radiopaque foreign body of the upper aerodigestive tract. The CT scan of an environment sample should sometimes be considered. Physicochemical studies may be relevant in the forensic context.