Experimental evaluation of rigor mortis. VI. Effect of various causes of death on the evolution of rigor mortis.

Abstract

The evolution of rigor mortis was studied in cases of nitrogen asphyxia, drowning and strangulation, as well as in fatal intoxications due to strychnine, carbon monoxide and curariform drugs, using a modified method of measurement. Our experiments demonstrated that: (1) Strychnine intoxication hastens the onset and passing of rigor mortis. (2) CO intoxication delays the resolution of rigor mortis. (3) The intensity of rigor may vary depending upon the cause of death. (4) If the stage of rigidity is to be used to estimate the time of death, it is necessary: (a) to perform a succession of objective measurements of rigor mortis intensity; and (b) to verify the eventual presence of factors that could play a role in the modification of its development.

• Authors: T Krompecher, C Bergerioux, C Brandt-Casadevall, H R Gujer
• Journal: Forensic science international (Forensic Sci Int) Vol. 22 Issue 1 Pg. 1-9 (Jul 1983) ISSN: 0379-0738 [Print] Ireland
• PMID: 6618356 (Publication Type: Journal Article)

Chemical References

• Ether
• Strychnine
• Succinylcholine

Topics

• Airway Obstruction (pathology)
• Animals
• Asphyxia (pathology)
• Carbon Monoxide Poisoning (pathology)
• Drowning (pathology)
• Ether (poisoning)
• Forensic Medicine
• Hindlimb (pathology)
• Male
• Muridae
• Rigor Mortis (pathology)
• Strychnine (poisoning)
• Succinylcholine (poisoning)