THE AUTOPSY FINDINGS FOR MUSHROOM POISONINGS

Yavuz MS.

Forensic Medicine Specialization Thesis, Council of Forensic Medicine, Istanbul- 1992.

ABSTRACT

In this study, 37 mushroom poisoning cases among autopsies which were performed in Mortuary Section of Forensic Medicine Institute between 1987 and 1990 years.

The deaths due to mushroom poisonings were thickly seen in Turkey. Essential changing which have been seen in organs during medico-legal autopsies of deaths due to mushroom poisonings was evaluated by using of macroscopically and hysto-pathological methods. These macroscopic pathological findings were gross-necrosis, atrophy, creasing on the capsule, softening of maturity and acute yellow atrophy in liver; swelling and paleness in kidneys. Additionally, hemorrhagic diffuse necrosis in liver, acute tubular necrosis in kidneys and in most of cases, hyperemia and intaalveoler hemorrhage in lungs, and brain edema were microscopically found.

Age, gender and survey of cases were examined in detail. Proportion of gender was found as 2/3 for male/female. Survey has changed between 3 and 9 days (mean: 6 days). Survey has decreased in little children.

In death cases due to mushroom poisoning, the results of toxicological examinations were not enough for explaining of cause of death. Autopsy findings were more valuable for access to decide. In this study, the importance of carefully and adequately autopsy performance and hysto-pathological findings were emphasized for determining of causes of death.

Key words: Mushroom poisoning, autopsy findings, medico-legal evaluation.