Forensic Autopsy

All too often, forensic pathologists perform autopsies that are limited only to the body parts that are suspect, leading to biased and inaccurate results. A correct diagnosis for cause of death can only be reached by a strict and systematic examination of the whole body. Providing a step-by-step, photo-assisted guide to complete autopsy procedures, Forensic Autopsy: A Handbook and Atlas commands the field in offering the most advanced and complete resource of its kind.

Packed with more color photos than any other leading autopsy reference, this volume explores:



External cadaver examination
Organ removal methods
Laboratory procedures
Microscopy applications
New imaging techniques
Pediatric and fetal autopsy
Pre- and postautopsy procedures
Genetic disease and DNA diagnosis
Autopsy protocol for the examination of the vertebral artery


From macroscopic to microscopic approaches, this volume provides detailed guidelines for performance of autopsy on every part of the human body. Using these standardized protocols and with the proper knowledge, training, and experience, pathologists can develop the skill needed to become experts in their field.

A Methodological Approach to the External Examination, S. D’ErricoClothing JewelryTattoosSex, Race, and AgeHeight and WeightTime of Death IndicatorsGeneral RecommendationsHead ExaminationNeck ExaminationChest ExaminationAbdomen ExaminationShoulder and Upper ExtremitiesLower Extremities and External GenitaliaDorsal and Lumbar RegionsThe Autopsy, C. Pomara, S. B. Karch, and V. FineschiAdult AutopsyPrimary Incision of the Soft Tissues of the Thoracic–Abdominal WallAccess to the Thoracic CavityEvisceration According to Virchow’s TechniqueAccess to the Neck RegionEvisceration According to Ghon’s Technique (En Bloc)Access to the FaceAccess to the Abdominal CavityThe Letulle Technique: En Masse RemovalThe Virchow TechniqueDissection of the HeadRemoval of the BrainVertebral Resection and Cord RemovalArm DissectionLeg DissectionMacroscopic Examination and Resection of the Resected OrgansPediatric and Fetal Autopsies, I. RiezzoThe External ExaminationRemoval of the BrainAccess to the ChestEvisceration MethodsExamination of the PlacentaHistological SectionsLaboratory Technologies and Methodologies, F. Bucchieri, F. Rappa, and F. CappelloIntroductionSpecimen Collection TechniquesFixationInclusion TechniqueFrozen SectionsEmbedding Methods: ParaffinOther Embedding MediaGeneral Staining ProceduresHistochemical StainingsMounting ProceduresImmunohistochemistryBeyond and Together with Autopsy Techniques: Confocal Laser Scanning Microscopy in Forensic Medicine, M. NeriPostmortem Radiology and Digital Imaging, S. D’Errico, V. G. Guglielmi, and C. PomaraRadiographyComputed Tomography and "Virtopsy"Magnetic Nuclear Resonance (MNR) ImagingGenetic Disease and DNA Diagnosis, C. Pomara, S. B. Karch, and V. FineschiSudden Cardiac Death and Genetic DiseaseDiagnostic TechniquesThe Future of Large-Scale Screening TechniquesAutopsy Protocol for the Examination of the V3–V4 Segments of the Vertebral Artery: The Introna-Corrado Method, F. Introna and S. CorradoIndex