Analysis of N,N-diethyl-m-toluamide (DEET) in human postmortem specimens

N,N-diethyl-m-toluamide (DEET) levels in postmortem specimens of stomach and contents, blood, liver, and urine are reported following ingestion of the compound. DEET was analyzed by gas chromatography with an OV-101 column and a nitrogen phosphorus detector. The presence of the compound in the four postmortem specimens was confirmed by mass spectrometry.     

Spontaneous bacterial peritonitis in the non-cirrhotic individual

A case of spontaneous bacterial peritonitis is reported. A methodical postmortem examination failed to disclose cirrhosis or other liver pathology; nor, was any anatomic alteration of the immune system noted. Acquired immunodeficiency syndrome was likewise discounted. A discussion ensues concerning recognition of this entity.     

Azygos vein laceration due to blunt trauma

The azygos vein ascends along the thoracic spine through the mediastinum and drains into the superior vena cava at the level of the fourth thoracic vertebra. Fracture-dislocation of the mid-thoracic spine, as a result of blunt thoracic trauma, can tear the azygos vein. Four such fatal cases (three motor vehicle accidents and one fall) were studied, only one of which was recognized prior to death. The vein can also be torn, in the absence of skeletal injuries, by horizontal acceleration/deceleration forces. The pathologist must consider azygos vein laceration as a possible cause of either hemothorax or hemomediastinum or both in a victim of a blunt chest trauma, if that individual had persistent hypotension during the few hours before death and no identifiable source of hemorrhage can be found postmortem in sites such as the heart, great vessels, lung, and chest wall. A fracture-dislocation of the thoracic spine may not necessarily be present. Azygos vein laceration seems to be an uncommon cause of hemothorax and hemomediastinum; however, this injury is probably more frequent than is implied by the few cases described in the medical literature.