Forensic Neuropathology, Second Edition

Chicago, IL, USA

Pathology and Neuropathology in the Forensic Setting, J.E. Leestma and E. Whitfied Sharp


The Pathologist and the Justice System


Certification of Death


The Forensic Autopsy


The Neuropathologist’s Role in Forensic Pathology


Whom Does the Forensic Pathologist Serve?


The Problem of the Manner of Death


Issues for the Neuropathologist in the Forensic Setting


What Will I Be Asked to Do When I Testify?


Implications for the Expert of Having Given Testimony


References


Scientific Evidence and the Courts, E. Whitfield Sharp


Introduction


The Frye Standard


The Daubert Era: The Search for Reliability


The Joiner Standard


The Kumho Standard


The Federal Rules of Evidence


The Ever-Changing Face of the Admissibility Standards of Scientific and


Expert Witness Testimony


Daubert States


States Where Daubert Is Viewed as Instructive


Frye and Modified-Frye States


Rules-Based-Plus-Reliability States


Judging the Reliability of Medical Literature Using the Three R’s, or the


Reasonable Reliance Requirement, of Rule 703


A Few Basics


Conclusion


References


Forensic Aspects of Adult General Neuropathology, J.E. Leestma


Introduction


Intracranial Pathology as a Cause of Death


Vascular Diseases of the Nervous System


Tumors of the Nervous System


Infections of the Nervous System


Degenerative Diseases of the Nervous System


Diseases of White Matter


Toxic and Miscellaneous Conditions


Diseases of Peripheral Nerve


Diseases of Skeletal Muscle


References


General Forensic Neuropathology of Infants and Children, J.E. Leestma


Introduction


Brain Development


Autopsy Examination of the Developing Nervous System


Neuropathology of Perinatal Period


Cerebral Palsy


Central Nervous System Malformations


Hydrocephaly


Embolism, Thrombosis, and Hemorrhage


Disorders of Hemostasis


Toxic Conditions and the Developing Nervous System


Infectious Diseases


Intrauterine Trauma


Brain Neoplasms


The Phaecomatoses


Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS)


References


Forensic Aspects of Intracranial Equilibria, J.E. Leestma


Introduction


Cerebral Edema and the Blood-Brain Barrier


Cerebrovascular Autoregulation


Cerebrospinal Fluid: Pressure/Volume Equilibrium


Hydrocephalus


Brain Herniation


Brain Death and the Respirator Brain


References


Physical Injury to the Nervous System, J.E. Leestma and K.L. Thibault


Introduction


Biomechanics


Introduction to Biomechanics: A Primer


The Scalp


The Skull and Periosteum


The Meninges


Traumatic Injury to the Brain


Spine and Spinal Cord Injury


Glossary of Terms and Units of Measurement


References


Child Abuse: Neuropathology Perspectives, J.E. Leestma


Introduction and Historical Background


Pathology of Child Abuse


Neuropathological and Forensic Issues in Child Abuse Cases


Rib Fractures and Alleged Child Abuse


Fractures of the Long Bones and Child Abuse


Nontraumatic Forms of Child Abuse


The So-Called Shaken Baby Syndrome (SBS)


Summary


References


Gunshot and Penetrating Wounds of the Nervous System, J.E. Leestma and J.B. Kirkpatrick


Introduction


Firearms


Variations in Wounding from Different Weapons


Shotgun Wounds


Unusual or Nonweapon Firearms


Gunshot Wounds in the Civilian Population


Long-Term Consequences of Missile Wounds of the Brain and Cord


Blast Injuries and the Nervous System


Wounds of the Spinal Cord and Canal


Summary and Conclusions


References


Forensic Aspects of Complex Neural Functions, J.E. Leestma


Introduction


Epilepsy and Seizure Disorders


Cognitional Disorders


Pathological Processes Associated with Behavioral Symptoms


Perceptual Disorders


Alterations in Consciousness: Stupor and Coma


Forensic Aspects of Consciousness


Agitated Delirium


References


Index