Finding of Hyperostosis Frontalis Interna During the Autopsy Procedure: Forensic Issues |
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| Authors: | Agathe Bascou BM Frederic Savall MD PhD Marion Vergnault MD Romain Montoriol MD Céline Guilbeau‐Frugier MD PhD Estelle Maupoint BM Mohamed Chérif El Khal MD Norbert Telmon MD PhD |
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| Institution: | 1. Service de médecine légale, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Rangueil, Avenue du Professeur Jean Poulhès, 31059 Toulouse Cedex 9, France;2. Corresponding author: Agathe Bascou, B.M. E‐mail:;3. Service de radiologie, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Rangueil, Avenue du Professeur Jean Poulhès, 31059 Toulouse Cedex 9, France;4. Service de médecine légale, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Farhat Hached, Rue Ibn Jazzar, 4031 Sousse, Tunisie |
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| Abstract: | Hyperostosis frontalis interna is a common phenomenon, which may have been overrated in its significance in the past, and may, currently be underrated in its significance. We present three cases of hyperostosis frontalis interna found during medicolegal autopsies and discuss their forensic considerations. The patients were all middle‐aged women with metabolic and endocrine manifestations and psychiatric ailments; thickening of the inner table of the frontal bone of the skull was found during each autopsy. We describe the relationship between hyperostosis frontalis interna, metabolic manifestations, and neuropsychiatric symptoms as part of Morgagni‐Stewart‐Morel syndrome. There is still considerable disagreement in the scientific community as to whether this syndrome is a clinical entity. Nonetheless, awareness of Morgagni‐Stewart‐Morel syndrome can be of help in understanding the circumstances surrounding death. In some other cases, hyperostosis frontalis interna could be used by forensic pathologists as criteria for sexing and aging a skeleton. |
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| Keywords: | forensic science hyperostosis frontalis interna forensic pathology Morgagni‐Stewart‐Morel syndrome psychiatric disorder metabolic syndrome |
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