Morphological features of the uterus in women at different time intervals of the postmortem period as diagnostic criteria for establishing the postmortem interval

Abstract

The aim is to identify the morphological features of the uterus layers in women at different time intervals of the postmortem period as diagnostic criteria for establishing the postmortem interval. Materials and methods: In the study we used surgical and autopsy material – uterine tissue fragments. All materials were divided into two groups. The 1st group (G 1) included surgical material from women (n=6) who underwent removal of the uterus, or uterus with the appendages due to leiomyoma, uterine prolapse. The 2nd group (G 2) included autopsy material from 42 women with known causes of death and postmortem period (from 24 to 48 hours – 6 cases, from 49 to 72 hours – 7 cases, from 73 to 96 hours – 8 cases, from 97 to 120 hours – 6 cases, from 121 to 144 hours – 8 cases, more than 144 hours – 7 cases). Histological and immunohistochemical study methods were used. Results: A comprehensive morphological study of the women uterus revealed a time-dependent increase of postmortem changes in this organ linked with the increase of postmortem period. In cases of postmortem period duration up to 144 hours, the structural elements of the uterine layers were identified. In cases where the duration of the postmortem period was more than 145 hours, microscopically the uterus was represented by eosinophilic fibrous or dusty masses, the histogenesis of which could not be determined. The processes of autolysis occurred more intensely and faster in the mucous membrane of the uterus, in comparison with the muscular and serous membranes, and in the vessels – in their inner membrane, in comparison with the middle and outer membranes. Autolytic changes in the muscular membrane of the uterus and vascular walls occurred more intensely in muscle fibers compared to connective tissue fibers. Conclusions: The histological and immunohistochemical features of the women uterus at different postmortem periods have a certain forensic medical significance and can be used for establishing the postmortem interval.