Medicolegal Autopsies Practice Questions

Q: During autopsy for virology study which agent is used for storing tissue:

50% glycerine. ***50% glycerine*** - **Glycerine** is commonly used for preserving tissues for virological studies because it helps to maintain viral viability by preventing **desiccation** and **denaturation** of viral particles. - It acts as a **cryoprotectant**, stabilizing cell membranes and protein structures, which is crucial for subsequent **viral isolation** and detection. *Alcohol* - **Alcohol** acts as a **fixative** by denaturing proteins and dehydrating tissues, which would inactivate most viruses and make them unsuitable for viability studies. - While useful for histopathology, it is not appropriate for preserving viral infectivity or integrity. *Rectified spirit* - **Rectified spirit** is a highly concentrated form of alcohol (typically 95% ethanol), and like alcohol, it causes **protein denaturation** and **dehydration**. - This property makes it unsuitable for preserving viral viability for subsequent virological studies. *Sodium chloride* - **Sodium chloride** alone in isotonic solutions can maintain tissue hydration but does not provide adequate **viral stabilization** or protection against degradation. - It would not prevent **enzymatic degradation** or maintain viral infectivity over time, especially at room temperature.

Q: Method of autopsy in which organs of various systems are removed en masse:

Lettulle. ***Lettulle*** - The **Lettulle method** (or en masse method) involves the removal of organs in large blocks or as a single unit, which helps preserve anatomical relationships. - This technique is particularly useful for studying the **interrelationships between organs** and the spread of disease involving multiple systems. *Virchow* - The **Virchow method** involves the individual removal of each organ, which allows for detailed examination of each organ separately. - This method is straightforward but can disrupt the **anatomical relationships** between organs. *Rokitansky* - The **Rokitansky method** involves *in situ* dissection of organs, with the organs remaining largely in the body during dissection. - This technique is valued for maintaining the **topographical integrity** of organ systems within the body cavity. *Ghon* - The **Ghon method** is a modified block dissection method, focusing on the removal of specific organ blocks. - This often includes the **thoracic and abdominal organs** together, maintaining their anatomical connections.

Q: A middle-aged man is found dead with a gunshot wound to the chest. Which type of autopsy incision is most appropriate for a detailed examination?

Y-shaped incision. ***Y-shaped incision*** - The **Y-shaped incision** is the most common and appropriate incision in forensic autopsies, especially for cases involving the chest and abdomen, as it provides excellent exposure to both. - It involves incisions extending from the shoulders meeting at the sternum, and then continuing down to the pubic bone, allowing for thorough examination of **thoracic and abdominal organs** and major vessels for evidence of injury. *I-shaped incision* - An **I-shaped incision** runs directly from the sternal notch to the pubic symphysis, offering good access to internal organs but is less cosmetically favorable and offers less lateral chest wall exposure. - This incision is primarily used for **organ harvesting** or in situations where cosmetic appearance post-mortem is not a major concern. *S-shaped incision* - The **S-shaped incision** is sometimes used in specific cases to avoid certain areas or for better cosmetic closure but is not standard for comprehensive forensic autopsies, especially for trauma. - It does not provide the broad and symmetrical exposure needed for a detailed investigation of a **gunshot wound to the chest**. *U-shaped incision* - A **U-shaped incision** is primarily used for specific examinations, often involving the scalp to expose the skull, and is not suitable for opening the chest and abdomen. - This incision is typically reserved for accessing the **cranial cavity** during an autopsy.

Q: Postmortem blood is collected from which vessel?

Femoral vein. ***Femoral vein*** - The **femoral vein** is the preferred site for postmortem blood collection due to its large size and accessibility, especially in cases of decomposition or trauma. - Blood samples from the femoral vein are less prone to contamination from other body fluids and provide reliable results for toxicology and chemical analysis. *Femoral artery* - While the femoral artery is also accessible, it is generally avoided for postmortem blood collection because arterial blood can clot quickly, making aspiration difficult. - Additionally, arterial punctures may cause more damage to surrounding tissues, complicating further forensic examination. *Cephalic vein* - The cephalic vein, located in the arm, is a peripheral vein that can be used for blood collection but is not the primary choice for postmortem samples due to its smaller size. - It may be difficult to access in certain postmortem conditions, and the volume of blood obtained might be insufficient for comprehensive analysis. *Brachial artery* - Similar to the femoral artery, the brachial artery is an arterial site whose use is generally avoided due to the higher risk of clotting and difficulty in obtaining a sufficient sample. - Accessing the brachial artery postmortem can also be more invasive and interfere with other forensic procedures.

Q: Which of the following methods is not typically used in autopsy procedures?

Thomas method. ***Thomas method*** - The **Thomas method** is **not a recognized autopsy dissection technique** in forensic medicine. - Only three classical methods are standardized for medicolegal autopsies: Virchow, Rokitansky, and Lettulle. - This is the correct answer as it does not exist as a typical autopsy procedure. *Virchow method* - The **Virchow method** (organ-by-organ technique) is one of the three classical autopsy methods. - Involves removing and dissecting each organ individually. - Useful for identifying localized pathology, though it may disrupt anatomical relationships. *Lettulle method* - The **Lettulle method** (en masse technique) is one of the three classical autopsy methods. - Entails removing all thoracoabdominal organs as a single block, then dissecting them together. - Preserves anatomical relationships and is beneficial for studying organ system interactions. *Rokitansky method* - The **Rokitansky method** (in situ technique) is one of the three classical autopsy methods. - Involves dissection of organs in their natural position by organ systems before removal. - Allows detailed inspection of anatomical relationships within the body cavity.

Q: A 42-year-old HIV-positive patient died, and his body was brought for post-mortem. The method of autopsy to be done is?

Modified Virchow technique. ***Modified Virchow technique*** - The **Modified Virchow (Ghon) technique** is the **method of choice for infectious disease autopsies**, including HIV-positive cases. - In this technique, **organs are removed in functional groups** (thoracic block, abdominal block, neck organs) rather than individually. - This approach **minimizes handling time, reduces the number of cuts, and limits exposure** to infectious materials while maintaining anatomical relationships. - It provides the **optimal balance between safety and thoroughness** for forensic examination in infectious cases. *Virchow technique* - The classic **Virchow technique** involves **removing and dissecting each organ individually**. - While this provides excellent detail, it **increases handling time and the number of manipulations**, potentially increasing exposure risk to HIV-contaminated fluids. - For routine non-infectious cases, this method is acceptable, but it is **not preferred for HIV-positive patients** due to prolonged exposure time. *Letulle technique* - The **Letulle technique** involves removing **all thoracic, abdominal, and pelvic organs en masse** as one complete block. - This method results in **extensive exposure to body fluids** and requires prolonged manipulation of the large visceral mass. - It is **unsuitable for HIV-positive cases** due to high contamination risk. *Rokitansky technique* - The **Rokitansky technique** involves **in situ dissection** where organs are examined and dissected within the body cavity before removal. - This technique involves **maximum contact with body fluids** and the longest procedure time. - It is **contraindicated in infectious disease cases** like HIV due to excessive exposure risk.

Q: Which vein is most commonly used for blood collection during post-mortem examinations?

Femoral vein. ***Femoral vein*** - The **femoral vein** in the groin region is frequently chosen for post-mortem blood collection because it is large, superficial, and easily accessible, even in cases of significant trauma or decomposition. - Blood from the femoral vein is generally considered less prone to **post-mortem redistribution** of drugs and endogenous substances compared to central veins. *Antecubital vein* - The **antecubital vein** (in the elbow crease) is a common site for blood collection in living individuals but is less preferred post-mortem due to its smaller size and potential for damage or disfigurement during autopsy. - Its accessibility can be limited depending on the body's condition and positioning during a post-mortem examination. *Jugular vein* - While large, the **jugular vein** in the neck is generally less preferred for routine post-mortem blood collection than the femoral vein due to its proximity to the heart and great vessels. - Blood samples from the jugular vein may be more significantly affected by **post-mortem redistribution** of substances due to fluid shifts. *Carotid artery* - The **carotid artery** is an artery, not a vein, and is typically avoided for routine post-mortem blood collection unless specific arterial samples are required. - Accessing an artery can be more challenging and may provide blood that is less representative of general systemic circulation compared to venous samples for toxicology.

Q: For autopsy, stomach is opened through -

Greater curvature. ***Greater curvature*** - Opening the stomach along the **greater curvature** allows for a complete and unobstructed view of the entire gastric mucosa. - This approach minimizes damage to the medically significant **lesser curvature**, which is important for identifying conditions like ulcers or tumors that often occur in that region. *Lesser sac* - The **lesser sac** is a peritoneal cavity space behind the stomach, not an anatomical part of the stomach itself to be opened. - Accessing the stomach via the lesser sac is not a surgical approach for opening the gastric lumen. *Greater sac* - The **greater sac** is the main peritoneal cavity, referring to the general abdominal space, not a specific part of the stomach wall. - This option describes a general anatomical area rather than a specific incision line for the stomach. *Lesser curvature* - Opening the stomach along the **lesser curvature** is generally avoided in autopsy. - This area is prone to various pathologies like ulcers and gastric cancer, and incising it would disrupt potential diagnostic findings.

Q: What is the Virchow method of organ removal in autopsy?

Organs removed one by one in autopsy. ***Organs removed one by one in autopsy*** - The **Virchow method** (also called the **in situ technique**) involves removing and dissecting each organ **individually** from the body. - Each organ is examined separately in isolation, allowing detailed assessment of individual organ pathology without disturbing anatomical relationships during removal. - This method is particularly useful in **infectious diseases**, **poisoning cases**, and when specific organ systems require focused examination. - Named after Rudolf Virchow, the father of cellular pathology. *Organs removed all at once* - This describes the **Rokitansky method** (en masse technique), where organs are removed together maintaining their anatomical connections. - Useful for demonstrating inter-organ relationships and vascular connections, but distinct from the Virchow approach. *Examination without removal of organs* - This represents **in situ examination** (sometimes called the **Ghon technique**), where organs are examined within the body cavity. - While useful for preliminary assessment, it does not allow comprehensive dissection and histological sampling required in most autopsies. *Organs removed en masse with neck and tongue structures* - This describes the **Letulle method** (modified en masse technique), where thoracic, abdominal, and pelvic organs are removed together as a single block along with the tongue and neck structures. - Different from Virchow's individual organ approach and useful for maintaining cervical-thoracic continuity.

Question 1

During autopsy for virology study which agent is used for storing tissue:

Accepted Answer

50% glycerine

Answer

Alcohol

Answer

Rectified spirit

Answer

Sodium chloride

Question 2

Method of autopsy in which organs of various systems are removed en masse:

Accepted Answer

Lettulle

Answer

Virchow

Answer

Rokitansky

Answer

Ghon

Question 3

A middle-aged man is found dead with a gunshot wound to the chest. Which type of autopsy incision is most appropriate for a detailed examination?

Accepted Answer

Y-shaped incision

Answer

I-shaped incision

Answer

S-shaped incision

Answer

U-shaped incision

Question 4

Postmortem blood is collected from which vessel?

Accepted Answer

Femoral vein

Answer

Femoral artery

Answer

Cephalic vein

Answer

Brachial artery

Question 5

Which of the following methods is not typically used in autopsy procedures?

Accepted Answer

Thomas method

Answer

Virchow method

Answer

Lettulle method

Answer

Rokitansky method

Question 6

A 42-year-old HIV-positive patient died, and his body was brought for post-mortem. The method of autopsy to be done is?

Accepted Answer

Modified Virchow technique

Answer

Rokitansky technique

Answer

Virchow technique

Answer

Letulle technique

Question 7

Which vein is most commonly used for blood collection during post-mortem examinations?

Accepted Answer

Femoral vein

Answer

Antecubital vein

Answer

Jugular vein

Answer

Carotid artery

Question 8

For autopsy, stomach is opened through -

Accepted Answer

Greater curvature

Answer

Lesser sac

Answer

Greater sac

Answer

Lesser curvature

Question 9

What is defined as a negative autopsy?

Accepted Answer

No cause of death is found after both gross and histopathological examination.

Answer

Cause is apparent on gross examination but not on histopathological examination.

Answer

Gross findings are minimal.

Answer

Cause is apparent on gross examination but not found due to constraints on the part of the doctor.

Question 10

What is the Virchow method of organ removal in autopsy?

Accepted Answer

Organs removed one by one in autopsy

Answer

Organs removed all at once

Answer

Examination without removal of organs

Answer

Organs removed en masse with neck and tongue structures

Medicolegal Autopsies — MCQs

Medicolegal Autopsies — MCQs

On this page

Practice by Chapter

Want unlimited practice?