Abstract

CHAVARRIA SEGURA, Melissa. Aspects to consider in autopsies for acute carbon monoxide poisoning, the silent killer. About two cases. Med. leg. Costa Rica [online]. 2023, vol.40, n.2, pp.14-20. ISSN 2215-5287.

Carbon monoxide (CO) is a gas that is produced during the incomplete combustion of different organic materials. Once inhaled, it is absorbed into the blood, exerting its effect at the systemic level. It strongly binds to hemoglobin, and forms carboxyhemoglobin, which causes a decrease in oxygen transport to the tissues and, depending on its concentration, can be fatal. The findings commonly found in the autopsy are cherry red color in the skin and organs, as well as pulmonary edema, among others. The diagnosis of CO poisoning is based on the postmortem measurement of carboxyhemoglobin in the blood, so samples must be taken to quantify these levels. Regarding the handling of these cases, two cases corresponding to the legal medical autopsy are presented in which carbon monoxide poisoning was established as the cause of death.

Keywords : Carbon monoxide poisoning; carboxyhemoglobin; gas poising; autopsy.

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