Early adipocere formation: A case report and review of literature

Abstract Adipocere has a long history of frightening and fascinating mankind, from so called “incorruptible saints” to the famous “iceman” and its formation on human remains has long been known and feared. Adipocere formation replaces the putrefactive changes, when the body lies buried in shallow, m...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Journal of forensic and legal medicine 2009-11, Vol.16 (8), p.475-477
Main Authors: Mohan Kumar, T.S., MBBS MD, Monteiro, Francis N.P., MBBS MD, Bhagavath, Prashantha, MBBS MD, Bakkannavar, Shankar M., MBBS MD
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Adipocere
Adult
Cause of death
Feeding Behavior
Fresh Water
Homicide
Humans
Humidity
Identification
Immersion
Male
Pathology
Postmortem Changes
Putrefaction
Wounds, Gunshot - pathology
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Summary:Abstract Adipocere has a long history of frightening and fascinating mankind, from so called “incorruptible saints” to the famous “iceman” and its formation on human remains has long been known and feared. Adipocere formation replaces the putrefactive changes, when the body lies buried in shallow, moist, clay, soiled grave or it is thrown into cess pools or submerged in water. As the progression of putrefaction is arrested, the facial features and wounds are preserved without much alteration, thereby aiding the identification and to certain extent, the cause of death. The time required for the formation of adipocere is a subject of controversy. Here we present a case of early adipocere formation within 3 days and the review of literature pertaining to it.
ISSN:1752-928X
1878-7487
DOI:10.1016/j.jflm.2009.07.004