ABSTRACT

Differentiation of the antemortem, postmortem, artefactu-al and perimortem lesions secondary to medical interventions is a challenging task during the forensic autopsies.

In this study, forensic autopsy records, performed in İstanbul between 1998-2002, were reviewed retrospectively and the cases with a resuscitation history and presenting lesions corres-ponding to the resuscitation were included. The location and the fetaures of the lesions, the problems arising from them we-re analyzed and discussed.

11.7%(n:51) of resuscitated cases had multiple rib or ster-num fractures with or without bruising and 4.2%(n:19) had only bruise. Fractures were found rarely on left 3.,4. and 5. ribs from mid-clavicular line. Sternum fractures were found, with or without bruising in 3.9%(n:17) of resuscitated cases.

Keywords: Forensic autopsy, CPR, artefactual lesions, malpractice, shaken baby syndrome