The use of dye to detect sites of hemorrhage and leak in postmortem cases

• Published in: Journal of forensic and legal medicine 2024-07, Vol.105, p.102712, Article 102712
• Main Authors: Seulieman, Yazan Amir, Aziz al-khafaji, Noor Jamil, Abdulwahab, Abdulwahab Essam, Saadoon, Ibrahim Mdhafar, Lazim, Hayder
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• ISSN: 1752-928X; 1878-7487; 1878-7487
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jflm.2024.102712

This study introduces a novel, cost-effective, and rapid method for identifying hemorrhage or leakage sites following postoperative deaths, a critical aspect in the context of medical malpractice litigation. The technique employs diluted ink as an injectable dye, providing an alternative to postmortem contrast imaging. The utility of this method was demonstrated through a series of three cases. In the first case, the technique successfully detected leaks within vascular structures. The second case revealed a leakage in the cystic duct, while in the third case, the method was instrumental in identifying a leak in a hollow organ situated below the gastro-esophageal junction. Given its demonstrated efficacy, this technique has been incorporated into routine practice by the forensic pathologist in the medicolegal directorate in Baghdad, Iraq. •The proposed technique is this article utilizes an extremely affordable dye.•This method eliminates the need for an imaging apparatus housed within lead-lined rooms, as visual detection can be accomplished through the unaided eye, supplemented by the capture of colored photographs and videos for evidentiary purposes.•The resulting staining is non-permanent due to the water-based composition of the ink.•The technique does not exert any adverse influence on subsequent histopathological examinations and is adaptable for use in a wide array of accessible vessels and hollow organs.