Introduction: The University of Toronto experienced graduating three cohorts of forensic pathologists trained with Competency by Design (CBD) curriculum. We achieved this as a result of multiyear development of Entrustable Professional Activities (EPAs), Required Training Experience (RTEs), and Specialty Competency Requirements (SCRs) by the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada's Forensic Pathology Speciality Committee, the Ontario Forensic Pathology Service, and the University of Toronto.
Method: Our academic year is comprised of 13 blocks.
Forensic Sci Med Pathol
March 2022
Depending on the stage of the disease, autopsy findings of COVID-19 may include a spectrum of cardiopulmonary pathologies including alveolar hyaline membrane formation, vascular thrombosis, and intracardiac thrombi. Identification of a COVID-19 positive decedent in the absence of clinical history relies primarily on post-mortem nasopharyngeal (NP) or oropharyngeal (OP) swabs for real time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). In the absence of definitive microbiology testing, post-mortem computed tomography (PMCT) may be a powerful adjunct tool for screening.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFAm J Forensic Med Pathol
March 2021
Fluorosilicic acid (FSA) is a corrosive liquid used in manufacturing and other processes. High-level exposures to FSA cause fluoride toxicity resulting in profound hypocalcemia, potentially leading to sudden death. Prompt recognition of exposure risk allows appropriate environmental management precautions, reducing the risk of further casualties.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFAcad Forensic Pathol
September 2018
Interpretation of deaths in hostile environments may be informed by postmortem microscopic examination of injured tissues. In context with their macroscopic correlates, the commonly observed histologic changes seen in environmental deaths are reviewed-these include exposure (i.e.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFPlacenta percreta is the abnormal invasion of the placenta through the myometrium and serosa of the uterus. It is the most invasive of the placenta accreta spectrum followed by placenta increta. This paper presents a case of a maternal and fetal death in the second trimester due to rupture of the uterus at the site of placenta percreta in a C-section scar.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFForensic Sci Med Pathol
December 2018
Vertebral artery laceration/dissection (VALD) resulting in fatal subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) is a rare, but well-known phenomenon encountered in the forensic setting. Delayed ruptures are exceptionally rare, and pose several challenges to the forensic pathologist. In this paper we present a case of a 47-year-old male who collapsed suddenly following recent complaints of a headache and a reported seizure.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFWe report a case of a 39-year-old woman who died of fulminant pulmonary thromboembolism (PE). Autopsy showed classical findings of fulminant PE with occlusion of the bilateral main stem pulmonary arteries. Ancillary testing revealed inherited thrombophilia (Prothrombin 20,210 G > A and MTHFR 677 C > T mutation).
View Article and Find Full Text PDFAcad Forensic Pathol
September 2017
We report a case of acute hemorrhagic leukoencephalitis in an adult man with a prodrome of "feeling unwell" two days prior to this death. At autopsy, external examination revealed minor external injuries including contusions on the scalp and left thigh and abrasions on the forehead and right eyebrow. Gross examination of the brain after coronal sectioning revealed multiple petechial hemorrhages in the white matter in the cerebral hemispheres, corpus callosum, basal ganglia, brainstem, and cerebellum.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFTorture is the most inhuman form of punishment. Forensic practitioners should be aware of the common forms of torture, their presentation, and the after effects. Forensic practitioners should examine victims and issue an impartial report to serve mankind in accordance with the United Nations organization.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFAm J Forensic Med Pathol
September 2015
Facing a sudden neonatal death in the forensic setting brings to mind enormous differential diagnostic possibilities. This case report demonstrates that at times, when no anatomical cause of death is apparent after a postmortem examination, ancillary testing can lead to diagnosis. In this case, ancillary testing showed ketosis and further workup showed presence of propionic acidemia in a 3-day-old neonate.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFObjective: The goals of analyzing all non-natural childhood deaths in Manitoba for the 22-year period (1989-2010) are to highlight preventable causes of death and to document temporal trends that might be influenced by changes in society.
Methods: The 1989 to 2010 pediatric autopsy database at the Winnipeg Health Sciences Centre and records from the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner were searched for all non-natural deaths ≤ 18 years age. All files were reviewed in detail.