Dorota Lorkiewicz-Muszyńska

Body mass estimation in modern population using anthropometric measurements from computed tomography

Forensic anthropologists are able to estimate the stature of a skeleton, its sex and biological age at death, with a relatively high degree of accuracy. Body mass estimation from the stature and bi-iliac (maximum pelvic) breadth and femoral head breadth can be useful in forensic investigations involving unidentified skeletal remains. Predicting the body mass of skeletal remains always involves significant inaccuracy, however when body mass extremes are disregarded average figures provide the best estimation. The aim of the study was to investigate whether the methods usually used in body mass estimation are accurate in different BMI ranges. The usefulness of these methods in forensic anthropology was discussed. The study was performed using CT images of widely differing body types of modern central European populations. Maximum pelvic breadth and anteroposterior femoral head breadth were measured directly from the appropriate CT scan slices for each individual. Body mass index was established for each individual. Four different methods of body mass estimation were applied. The statistical analysis showed that body mass prediction methods based on the bi-iliac breadth with known stature and the femoral head breadth show strong correspondence. The results of body mass estimation using different methods were in high correlation with normal BMI. The accuracy of body mass prediction of underweight and obesity cases (BMI extremes) showed significant inaccuracy. Body mass estimation methods can provide important information for forensic anthropological investigation and personal identification. However, one should be aware of the discrepancies and should apply the equations carefully as they can carry significant errors.

Development of the maxillary sinus from birth to age 18. Postnatal growth pattern

OBJECTIVES Anatomical and developmental descriptions of the maxillary sinus may be of great clinical importance. An understanding of age-related changes in the dimensions and volume of the normal maxillary sinus may help in the evaluation of radiographs and identification of sinus abnormalities. The aim of the present study was to define growth patterns of maxillary sinuses in children up to the age of 18 years and evaluate the correlation between normal age-related changes in dimensions and volume. METHODS The research sample consisted of CT scans of 170 patients subdivided into 17 groups based on age. Normal developmental changes were investigated and linear dimensions measured. RESULTS The maxillary sinus, present at birth, increases in size until the end of the 18th year. The growth pattern includes changes in vertical, horizontal and antero-posterior directions. No bilateral dimorphism was observed, but gender-related differences were found in children over the age of 8 years. The most extensive period of growth occurs during the first 8 years and by the end of the 16th year the maximal values of all diameters and volume are reached. CONCLUSIONS A CT study of developing maxillary sinuses allowed a precise evaluation of age-related changes in all diameters and volume to be made.

The conclusive role of postmortem computed tomography (CT) of the skull and computer-assisted superimposition in identification of an unknown body

Computed tomography is commonly used in modern medicine, and thus, it is often helpful for medicolegal purposes, especially as part of the antemortem record. The application of postmortem computed tomography and 3D reconstruction of the skull in challenging cases is reported, and its valuable contribution to positive identification is discussed. This paper presents a case in which the body of an unknown individual is identified. Positive identification had not been possible despite a multidisciplinary examination. The postmortem use of computerized tomography and 3D reconstruction of the skull followed by the comparison of individual morphological characteristics of the viscerocranium showed the concordant points between the deceased and a missing person. Finally, superimposition using a 3D-reconstructed skull instead of the skeletonized skull demonstrated an adequate degree of morphological consistency in the facial images of the analyzed individuals that lead to positive identification. It was concluded that where other methods of personal identification had failed, the use of postmortem computed tomography had proved to be instrumental in the positive identification of the deceased.

Difficulties in personal identification caused by unreliable dental records

This paper demonstrates a case of personal identification that initially seemed straightforward, mainly because complete and comprehensive antemortem dental records of a missing person were made available for analysis. Skeletal remains were found and the skull (most crucial for human identification) was delivered for analysis. Comparative analysis of antemortem and postmortem dental records excluded identification, while the results of superimposition (simultaneously performed by another team member) revealed sufficient concordant points to establish identity. The results caused confusion and additional information was required. The need for more evidence resulted in delivery of elements of the postcranial skeleton. Identification was finally achieved when concordant points were established in a comparison of antemortem X-rays and the humerus. Team members concluded that the dental records were in fact not adequate and that mistakes in numbering the teeth (superior canine instead inferior canine and right and left premolars) were considered to be the initial reason a positive identification had not been made. The authors conclude that a multidisciplinary approach is crucial to making a positive identification and that caution should be exercised when carrying out personal identification from dental records alone. The need to adequately train police officers to collect and preserve dental evidence is also emphasized.

Analysis of human dentition from Early Bronze Age: 4000-year-old puzzle

This paper presents the first ever paleodontological investigation of human remains from an archeological site in Central Europe dating from the Early Bronze Age and attributed to the Strzyzow Culture. It corroborates the knowledge gained from archeological, anthropological and genetical investigations. Our study aimed to assess dental status, dental morphology and dental pathologies as well as tooth wear and enamel hypoplasia based on visual inspection and stereomicroscopic investigation. The research was supported by CBCT imaging to obtain digital images and 3D reconstructions as well as 2D radiographs essential for dental age estimation. All of the 191 teeth discovered showed morphological similarity, with adult teeth showing similar color, shape and size. A maxillary molar presenting with a unique root morphology and a mandibular molar with a rare occlusal surface were found. Both permanent and deciduous dentition presented significant tooth wear. A few specimens displayed signs of dental caries, periapical pathology and antemortem tooth loss. Three individuals exhibited linear enamel hypoplasia. CBCT provided high-quality 2D images useful for dental age estimation by non-destructive methods. Estimated dental age correlated with the age estimated by other anthropological methods. In one case, this was crucial because of insufficient material for anthropological analysis. The presented studies have proved that besides the skeleton, teeth can be used as a fundamental tool in assessing the overall health and living conditions of paleopopulations. It would seem that there is potential for considerable development to be made in the research and investigation of paleodontological material using CBCT.

Use of Occupational Knowledge to Commit Suicide

Objectives: According to WHO, suicide is the act of deliberately killing oneself. The number of suicide autopsies is comparable year by year; there are differences however in the sex and age, and the method chosen. The aim of the study was to analyze the cases of people who used their occupation-related knowledge to commit suicide. Material and Methods: A retrospective study of the Department of Forensic Medicine autopsy protocols from 2010 to 2014 was carried out. Of the 1,908 protocols searched, 292 suicide cases were selected and the reason and circumstances of death were studied. Results: The number of suicides increased from 49 cases in 2010 to 65 cases in the years 2013 and 2014. The most common ways were by hanging and intoxication. In 7 (2.8%) of the cases, professional knowledge was used. Amongst them were three cases where death was the result of having knowledge of and access to firearms. Three other suicides were committed by physicians with use of pharmaceuticals. The case of a taxi driver who gassed himself with exhaust fumes causing death by carbon monoxide intoxication was found and the case of an electrical engineer who connected himself to a power source using a timer was also recorded. Conclusions: Although suicides planned and committed with use of professional knowledge are rare, they always succeed. The need for restricting access to means to prevent suicides is underlined.

“Biometric Dental Rosette” - Introduction into New Method of Dental Identification

The hypothesis of the study was that human dentition is unique. This study was performed to analyze whether biometric methods using measurements and proportions are suitable for dental identification. The use of 3D models with specialized systems for computer aided engineering (CAE) and Reverse Engineering (RE) allowed for a number of point surface and volume comparative analyses. “Mapping” was carried out next on the dentition models. This procedure results in a set of curves and points depicting the characteristic features of the teeth and their edges respectively. Based on the “mapping” the so-called “biometric dental rosette” was created for the dentition models. The “biometric dental rosette” was created for maxillary and mandibular dentition models. Every rosette was individual thus unique. The method allowed for positive identification of all the volunteers. The presented studies are of preliminary character, and the continuation is necessary.