Imaging of serotonin and dopamine transporters in the living human brain

Alterations in brain serotonin (5-HT) and dopamine (DA) activity are associated with several neuropsychiatric disorders, but until now it has not been possible to simultaneously visualize or quantify the 5-HT and the DA transporter density in the living human brain. In this paper we report on the imaging of 5-HT and DA transporters in 28 healthy controls with single-photon emission tomography using iodine-123 labelled 2-carbomethoxy-3-(4-iodophenyl)tropane ([¹²³I]-CIT) as the tracer. The [¹²³I]-CIT distribution showed the most prominent 5-HT activity in the medial frontal cortex, hypothalamus, midbrain and occipital cortex and the greatest DA activity in the basal ganglia. The specific binding of the 5-HT transporters in the medial frontal cortex was 0.377±0.031 and that of the DA transporters in the basal ganglia, 0.916±0.007. Gjedde-Patlak plots indicated two separate components: the first was assumed to represent 5-HT transporters with a slope of 1.29±0.27 h^–1 and the second, DA transporters with a slope of 0.30±0.04 h^–1. This distinct kinetic pattern and the fact that 5-HT and DA transporters are situated in different parts of the brain provides an opportunity to study in vivo patients suffering from various neuropsychiatric disorders.     

The influence of orthoses on the proprioception of the ankle joint

The ankle joints of 14 healthy volunteers and 16 patients with unstable ankle joints were tested regarding their functional and proprioceptive capabilities. All of them were active athletes. Three tests were used of the study: single-leg stance test, single-leg jumping course test, angle-reproduction test. The influence of three stabilization devices (lace-on-brace/Mikros, stirrup-brace/ Aircast, taping) on the proprioceptivity of stable and unstable ankle joints was evaluated. The scores of the singleleg jumping course without any stabilizing device (category standard) ranged between 8.06 and 13.68 (10.65±1.29). In the categories Mikros (9.85±0.99), and Aircast (9.99±1.14) as well as with the tape bandage (10.27±0.81) better scores were achieved. The differences standard vs. Mikros and standard vs. Aircast revealed a significant reduction of the scores with orthoses (P<0.01). The error rate in the single-leg stance test was within the range of 0–16 (5.12±2.85) for the category standard. It was lower for the categories Mikros (3.65±2.65) and Aircast (4.17±2.59). The error rate was highest in the group with a tape bandage (5.79±3.53). The differences standard vs Mikros as well as standard vs. Aircast were significant (P<0.01). There was also a significant difference between these categories regarding injured and not injured ankle joints (P<0.01). The angle-reproduction-test showed higher values for the category standard (2.36°±0.97) in comparison to the categories Mikros (1.46°±0.72), Aircast (1.62°±0.91) and taping (1.84°±0.41). In the category standard the reproduction error was lower testing not injured ankle joints (2.30°±1.04) than testing the group of unstable ankle joints (2.44°±0.81), whereas in all other categories the reproduction error was higher in the group of not injured joints. The differences in all measurements between standard vs. Mikros and standard vs. Aircast were significant (P<0.01). The results of the three tests showed a highly significant difference between injured and not injured ankle joints (P<0.01).     

New Retrievable Coil Anchors: Preliminary In Vivo Experiences in Swine

Purpose To design and test retrievable coil anchors to improve the safety and efficacy of coil embolization.Methods Fifty-two 0.038-inch homemade retrievable stainless steel coils were equipped with one of four different pre-shaped nitinol anchors and tested in 38 pigs. All coils with the anchor were completely retrieved and redeployed 3–18 times (median 7 times) prior to release. Types 1 and 2 anchored coils were acutely deployed in the external iliac arteries (n=10 each), and chronically tested (1 week) in the common carotid arteries (n=6 each). Larger type 1 (n=4), type 3 (n=6), and type 4 (n=4) anchored coils were acutely deployed in the abdominal aorta. The largest type 1 anchors (n=6) were acutely tested in the inferior vena cava.Results All anchored coils were successfully retrieved and repositioned several times. All but two coils formed a compact plug and there was no coil migration except with two mechanically defective type 3 anchors.Conclusion The use of retrievable anchors allowed the coils to be retrieved and repositioned, prevented coil migration, and enabled compact coil configuration.     

Ossification and pseudoepiphysis formation in the “nonepiphyseal” end of bones of the hands and feet

Metacarpals, metatarsals, and phalanges were studied to assess the developmental morphology of secondary ossification in the nonepiphyseal ends of these bones as well as the formation of the pseudoepiphysis as an epiphyseal ossification variant. Both direct ossification extension from the metaphysis into the epiphysis and pseudoepiphysis formation preceded, and continued to be more mature than, formation and expansion of the classic epiphyseal (secondary) ossification center at the opposite end of each specific bone. Direct metaphyseal to epiphyseal ossification usually started centrally and expanded hemispherically, replacing both physeal and epiphyseal cartilage simultaneously. In contrast, when remnants of physis were retained, while juxtaposed epiphyseal cartilage was replaced, a pseudoepiphysis formed. There were three basic patterns of pseudoepiphysis formation. First, a central osseous bridge extended from the metaphysis across the physis into the epiphysis and subsequently expanded to create a mushroom-like osseous structure. In the second pattern a peripheral osseous bridge formed, creating either an osseous ring or an eccentric bridge between the metaphysis and the epiphysis. In the third pattern, multiple bridging occurred. In each situation the associated remnant physis lacked typical cell columns and was incapable of significantly contributing to the postnatal longitudinal growth of the involved bone. Pseudoepiphyses were well formed by 4–5 years and coalesced with the rest of the bone months of years before skeletal maturation was attained at the opposite epiphyseal end, which ossified in the typical pattern (i.e., formation of a secondary center de novo completely within the cartilaginous epiphysis). This process may also affect the development and appearance of ossification within the longitudinal epiphyseal bracket (delta phalanx).     

Problems with the “dural tail” sign

Prominent enhancement of the dura mater, the dural tail adjacent to a peripherally located mass on gadolinium-enhanced MRI has been described as being characteristic of meningiomas. We present a cerebral glioma showing the classical dural tail.     

γ-Glutamyltransferase test as a new tool for identification of seminal stains

Summary A simple qualitative method for identification of seminal stains based on a high activity of -glutamyltransferase (-GTP) in human semen is described. It employs the release of -naphthylamine from N--glutamyl--naphthylamide by the -GTP action; -naphthylamine couples with Fast Garnet GBC salt to produce a strong brownish-red color. The data on its simplicity, specificity, and stability show that the present method is suitable for medicolegal examination of seminal stains as a preliminary test.     

PET tomography in studies of distributions of 7.6-min potassium 38 in the dog heart

Potassium 38 emits a 2.68-MeV (max) positron, followed promptly by a 2.17-MeV -ray in 99.8% of its disintegrations. A positron is emitted also, followed by a 3.94-MeV -ray, in 0.2% of the decays. The pairs of 511-keV PET^±-quanta, which are emitted at 180±0.3° to each other, are in true coincidence with the prompt -rays emitted by the daughter nucleus, within the resolving time of PET instrumentation. Studies made with phantoms by means of a commercial version of the MGH PET camera demonstrated that quantitatively satisfactory images are derived, despite the presence of the prompt -rays. Two-dimensional (2-D) focal-plane images reveal high uptake of³⁸K promptly in the myocardium of dogs, under barbiturate sedation. Third-dimensional (3-D) transverse section PET tomographic images, through four 1.0-cm-thick heart slices orthogonal to the plane of the 2-D images and with 1.4-cm sequential spacing, show³⁸K uptake to be concentrated especially highly in the left ventricle, as expected. Peak levels of activity were observed over the myocardium at 12 s after intravenous bolus injection of ionic³⁸K. Dynamic mode 2-D images were taken at intervals as short as 0.5 s and extending to 1 h.     

Myocardial beta-adrenoceptor downregulation in idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy measured in vivo with PET using the new radioligand (S)-[11C]CGP12388

Purpose The -adrenoceptor (-AR) plays an important role in heart failure. Recently, the new tracer (S)-[¹¹C]CGP12388 has been developed. It displays excellent properties for investigation of the cardiac -ARs in vivo with positron emission tomography (PET). Furthermore, the simple production method allows its use in a routine clinical setting. The aim of this study was to investigate whether decreased myocardial -AR density in patients with idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy (IDC) can be estimated using (S)-[¹¹C]CGP12388 PET.Methods Myocardial -AR density was investigated in six patients with IDC and six age-matched healthy controls, using (S)-[¹¹C]CGP12388 PET.Results -AR densities of 5.4±1.3 pmol/g (mean ± SD) were observed in patients; these values were significantly lower than those observed in healthy controls (8.4±1.5 pmol/g, p<0.005).Conclusion This study indicates that PET with (S)-[¹¹C]CGP12388 is applicable for the measurement of myocardial -AR density in patients. A highly significant reduction in -AR density was found in patients with IDC compared with healthy controls.     

Transcatheter Closure of Patent Foramen Ovale in Patients with Platypnea-Orthodeoxia: Results of a Multicentric French Registry

Background Dyspnea and the decrease in arterial saturation in the upright position in elderly subjects is described as platypnea-orthodeoxia syndrome (POS). POS is secondary to the occurrence of an atrial right-to-left shunt through a patent foramen ovale (PFO).Methods This French multicentric study reports on 78 patients (mean age 67±11.3 years) with POS who had transcatheter closure of the PFO; frequently associated diseases were pneumonectomy (n=36) and an ascending aortic aneurysm (n=11). In all patients, the diagnosis was confirmed by transthoracic or/and transesophageal echocardiography. Five different closure devices were used: Amplatz (n=45), Cardioseal (n=13), Sideris (n=11), Das Angel Wings (n=8) and Starflex (n=1). Closure was successful in 76 patients (97%).Results Oxygen saturation increased immediately after occlusion from 84.6±10.7% to 95.1±6.4% (p < 0.001) and dyspnea improved from grade 2.7±0.7 to grade 1±1 (p < 0.001). A small residual shunt was immediately observed in 5 patients (3 with the Cardioseal device, 1 with the Sideris and 1 with the Amplatz) leading to the implantation of a second device in one case (Cardioseal). Two early deaths occurred unrelated to the procedure (one due to sepsis probably related to pneumonectomy, another due to respiratory insufficiency). Other complications were: a small shunt between the aorta and the left atrium, two atrial fibrillations and a left-sided thrombus which disappeared with anticoagulant therapy. At a mean follow-up of 15±12 months, there were 7 late deaths related to the underlying disease.Conclusion Percutaneous occlusion of the foramen ovale is safe and gives excellent results thanks to continuing improvement in available devices. This technique enables some patients in an unstable condition to avoid a surgical closure.     

Die Abhängigkeit des Faktors β von der Konzentrationshöhe

Zusammenfassung Die Begriffe des Konzentrationsabfalles \ und des Reduktionsfaktors sowie die Variationsbreiten dieser Größen werden diskutiert.Die mittlere Abbaugeschwindigkeit während langer Zeitspannen lag bei Blutalkoholkonzentrationen oberhalb 1,5 mindestens bei 0,16, wenn der errechnete Höchstwert (r = 0,7) annähernd erreicht wurde.Die statistische Auswertung von den 4118 Einzelentnahmen und den Entnahmen in zeitlichem Abstand bei 922 Personen zeigt die am häufigsten beobachtete Blutalkoholkonzentration bei 1,8und ein mittleres \₆₀ von 0,184.Der Faktor nimmt mit steigender Blutalkoholkonzentration zu. Die Unterschiede zwischen den Bereichen 0,41—1,2 und oberhalb 2,0 sind statistisch gesichert, die mittleren \₆₀-Werte von 0,17 bzw. 0,203 damit signifikant.Auszugsweise vorgetragen auf dem Kongreß für Gerichtliche und Soziale Medizim 1954 in Kiel.     

ω-Halofatty acids: A probe for mitochondrial membrane integrity

Long-chain -halofatty acids, especially -¹²³I-iodoheptadecanoic acid (IHA), are widely used clinically as radiopharmaceuticals for functional heart imaging. The metabolic interpretation of the various elimination rates, however, remains in dispute. It has been previously shown (Kloster and Stöcklin 1982) that in isolated perfused guinea-pig hearts halide diffusion from the mitochondrion to the blood is the rate-determining step of IHA pharmacokinetics in normal myocardium. We have now extended these in vitro experiments to normal and globally ischaemic isolated perfused rabbit hearts. Again, in normal hearts a single phase iodide elimination half-time (14.3±2.1 min) was observed. In hearts made globally ischaemic for 90 min, the iodide elimination was biphasic with a first fast phase (T_1/2=3.8±0.49 min) and a late slow phase (T _1/2=60.5±14.0 min). The first fast phase is attributed to iodide ion released by residual -oxidation (more rapid than in normal hearts due to damaged membranes in ischaemia), while the late slow phase is explained by -oxidation of IHA slowly released by hydrolysis of intracellular lipid stores. These data were compared with published data from investigations in patients which seem to support our interpretation.     

Recurring osteoblastoma initially presenting as a typical osteoid osteoma

Two patients each underwent inadequate excision of an osteoid osteoma and some months later developed a large tumor in the same location showing the radiographical and histological features of osteoblastoma. This rare occurrence again suggests that osteoid osteoma and osteoblastoma are closely connected benign neoplasms. Indeed some authors in the past have suggested classification as a single tumor showing different clinical and radiographical patterns.Supported by: Grant n 88.01124.44, Italian National Council of Researches, Special Project Oncology. A.I.R.C. (Italian Association for Cancer Research). Regione Emilia-Romagna, law n 1970 of May 13th, 1986. Istituto Ortopedico Rizzoli Research Funds. Interdepartmental Center for Cancer Research G. Prodi of the University of Bologna     

Comparison of [123I]ß-CIT and [123I]IPCIT as single-photon emission tomography radiotracers for the dopamine transporter in nonhuman primates

Single-photon emission tomographic (SPET) imaging with the radiotracer [¹²³I]2-carbomethoxy-3-(4-iodophenyl)tropane ([¹²³I]-CIT) has been reported to be a useful in vivo measure of dopamine (DA) transporters. However, in addition to its high DA transporter affinity,-CIT also binds with high affinity to serotonin (5-HT) transporters. 2-Carboisopropoxy-3-(4-iodophenyl)tropane (IPCIT) has been demonstrated by in vitro studies to have higher selectivity for the DA transporter. We compared [¹²³I]-CIT and [¹²³I]IPCIT SPET imaging and plasma metabolite analyses in baboons to evaluate the potential advantages of [¹²³I]IPCIT for quantitative in vivo measurements of DA transporter densities. Both tracers had low levels (2% of total plasma¹²³I activity) of lipophilic radiolabeled metabolites at 420 min. [¹²³I]IPCIT had significantly higher binding to plasma proteins. The average percent free (nonprotein bound) [¹²³I]-CIT and [¹²³I]IPCIT were 52%±7% and 14%±6%, respectively. Region of interest uptake data were normalized by injected dose and body weight. Consistent with the high density of 5-HT transporters in the midbrain and the lower 5-HT transporter affinity of IPCIT, the normalized peak specific midbrain uptake of [¹²³I]-CIT (1.7±0.5) was higher than that of [¹²³I]IPCIT (0.4±0.2). Consistent with its greater lipophilicity, [¹²³I]IPCIT had higher nonspecific uptake, such that normalized cerebellar uptake of [¹²³I]IPCIT was about twice that of [¹²³I]-CIT. The ratio of specific to nonspecific uptake in striatum was greater for [¹²³I]-CIT compared to [¹²³I]IPCIT; however, striatal binding potentials and distribution volumes were not significantly different. In conclusion, [¹²³I]IPCIT demonstrated in vivo a higher DA transporter selectivity and higher level of nonspecific uptake.     

Detection of experimental thrombi in rabbits with an131I-labelled fibrin-specific monoclonal antibody

The detection of thrombi in rabbits has been investigated with¹³¹I-labelled DD-3136/22, a monoclonal antibody (Mab) reactive at high affinity (Kd=2.68 x 10^–10 M) with human D Dimer (DD). DD-3136/22 bound well to both fresh and aged human clots in an in vitro assay but showed poor binding to rabbit clots. However, reactivity was restored to rabbit blood if it was seeded, before clotting, with human DD covalently coupled to Sepharose beads. Thus, a rabbit model was developed in which blood was allowed to clot around DD-Sepharose beads introduced into the jugular vein. Gamma camera imaging showed that intact¹³¹I-labelled DD-3136/22 localised to these clots within 24 h. Uptake at this time was 0.202±0.012% injected dose per gram (%ID/g) compared with 0.086±0.018%ID/g after injection of control antibody.¹³¹I-labelled F(ab)2, fragments of DD-3136/22 allowed earlier scintigraphic detection of the clot which was evident 4 h after injection. Uptake in the clot at 24 h was 0.154±0.038 %ID/g compared with 0.109±0.027 %ID/g for a control F(ab')₂. As antigen levels in the clot are estimated to be less than 300 g DD, thus representing a very small human clot, the DD-3136/22 Mab would appear to have a good potential for the sensitive detection of thrombi in a clinical setting.     

Differential kinetics of [123I]β-CIT binding to dopamine and serotonin transporters

Iodine-123-labelled 3-(4-iodophenyl)tropane-2-carboxylic acid ([¹²³I]-CIT) labels both the dopamine transporter (DAT) and the serotonin transporter (5-HTT) and this ligand is able to clarify pathological changes in both dopaminergic and serotonergic systems. However, the differential kinetics of -CIT binding to DAT and 5-HTT has not been clarified fully. In this study we examined time-activity curves of [¹²³I]-CIT in individual regions in the rat brain. Using cerebellum as the reference region,k ₃ andk ₄ values were estimated by a two-compartment kinetic analysis. In the striatum, the kinetics was slowest among all brain areas. In this area specific binding reached its peak 4 h after the injection. In the hypothalamus, specific binding reached its peak 1 h after the injection and its amount did not change until 4 h after the injection. In the occipital cortex, the binding and washout of the ligand were fastest among all brain regions. Estimatedk ₃ values were 0.040±0.003 in the striatum, 0.019±0.002 in the hypothalamus and 0.082±0.011 in the occipital cortex (min^–t, mean ±SD). Estimatedk ₄ values were 0.0034±0.0005 in the striatum, 0.0071±0.0009 in the hypothalamus and 0.083±0.013 in the occipital cortex (min^–1, mean ±SD). Therefore binding kinetics of [¹²³I]-CIT in the region rich in DAT is apparently different from that in the region rich in 5-HTT. These results will provide fundamental data to image both DAT and 5-HTT in one series of examinations with [¹²³I]-CIT.     

Thyroid abnormality secondary to tortous carotid artery

A 59-year-old man was referred to the nuclear medicine service for a thyroid scan, as his neck was thick and the thyroid was not palpable. In the past the patient had undergone head and neck irradiation for acne. A¹²³I-thyroid scan was interpreted as a cold nodule in the lower pole of the right lobe, but thyroid ultrasound showed no thyroid abnormality. Repeat ultrasound examination eventually showed a tortuous carotid artery behind the lower pole of the right lobe of the thyroid that corresponded to the cold defect.     

Results of brain scanning with different radioisotopes (99mTc-PP, 99mTc-DTPA, 67Ga citrate)

Summary A comparison of the results obtained by ^99mTc-DTPA, ^99mTc-PP and ⁶⁷Ga-citrate scanning in ten meningioma patients is reported. The association of conventional brain scanning, bone scanning and tumor-positive scanning makes it possible to identify the primary tumor, its real extent, the perifocal damage and the contiguous bone damage.

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Ergebnisse der Hirn-Szintigraphie mit verschiedenen Substanzen

Zusammenfassung Die Verfasser vergleichen die abgegebenen Ergebnisse von ^99mTc-DTPA, ^99mTc-PP und ⁶⁷Ga-citrate bei 10 Patienten, von Meningiom befallen. Die Vereinigung der üblichen Hirn-Szintigraphie, der Knochen-Szintigraphie und der positiven Tumor-Szintigraphie erlauben die Identifizierung des ursprünglichen Tumors, seiner wirklichen Ausdehnung, des perifokalen Schadens und der angrenzenden Knochen-Veränderung.

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Etude comparative de la scintigraphie cérébrale avec differenis radio-elements (99^mTc-PP. 99^mTc-DTPA, 67 Ga citrate)Première partie: Etude des méningiomes

Résumé Les auteurs comparent les résultats de la scintigraphie cérébrale avec ^99mTc-DTPA, ^99mTc-PP et ⁶⁷Ga-citrate dans 10 cas de meningiome. L'association de la scintigraphie cérébrale conventionnelle, de la scintigraphie osseuse et de la scintigraphie néoplastique positive consent d'individualiser le foyer néoplastique, l'extension, le damage periphocale et l'altération osseuse concomitante.

     

Incidence of stunned, hibernating and scarred myocardium in ischaemic cardiomyopathy

Purpose Different criteria to identify residual viability in chronically dysfunctioning myocardium in patients with coronary artery disease (CAD) can be derived by the combined assessment of myocardial blood flow (MBF) and glucose utilisation (MRG) using positron emission tomography (PET). The aim of this study was to evaluate, in a large number of patients, the prevalence of these different patterns by purely quantitative means.Methods One hundred and sixteen consecutive patients with ischaemic cardiomyopathy (LVEF 40%) underwent resting 2D echocardiography to assess regional contractile function (16-segment model). PET with ¹⁵O-labelled water (H₂¹⁵O) and ¹⁸F-fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) was used to quantify MBF and MRG during hyperinsulinaemic euglycaemic clamp. Dysfunctional segments with normal MBF (0.6 ml min^–1 g^–1) were classified as stunned, and segments with reduced MBF (<0.6 ml min^–1 g^–1) as hibernating if MRG was 0.25 mol min^–1 g^–1. Segments with reduced MBF and MRG <0.20 mol min^–1 g^–1 were classified as transmural scars and segments with reduced MBF and MRG between 0.20 and 0.25 mol min^–1 g^–1 as non-transmural scars.Results Eight hundred and thirty-four (46%) segments were dysfunctional. Of these, 601 (72%) were chronically stunned, with 368 (61%) having normal MRG (0.47±0.20 mol min^–1 g^–1) and 233 (39%) reduced MRG (0.16±0.05 mol min^–1 g^–1). Seventy-four (9%) segments with reduced MBF had preserved MRG (0.40±0.18 mol min^–1 g^–1) and were classified as hibernating myocardium. In addition, 15% of segments were classified as transmural and 4% as non-transmural scar. The mean MBF was highest in stunned myocardium (0.95±0.32 ml min^–1 g^–1), intermediate in hibernating myocardium and non-transmural scars (0.47±0.09 ml min^–1 g^–1 and 0.48±0.08 ml min^–1 g^–1, respectively), and lowest in transmural scars (0.40±0.14 ml min^–1 g^–1, P<0.01). MRG was comparable in hibernating and stunned myocardium with preserved MRG (0.40±0.19 mol min^–1 g^–1 vs 0.46±0.20 mol min^–1 g^–1, NS), and lowest in stunned myocardium with reduced MRG and transmural scars.Conclusion Chronic stunning is more prevalent than expected. The degree of MRG reduction in stunned myocardium may disclose segments at higher risk of permanent damage.     

The dynamics of inflammatory cytokines in the healing process of mouse skin wound: A preliminary study for possible wound age determination

The dynamics of inflammatory cytokines such as interleukin-1 (IL-l, interleukin-1 (IL-1), interleukin-6 (IL-6) and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF) during the healing process of mouse skin wounds were examined using the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and immunostaining. The applicability of this examination for wound age estimation is discussed from the perspective of forensic pathology. After wound induction, mice were sacrificed at intervals ranging from 0 to 240 h. The levels of TNF and IL-1 began to elevate rapidly after wounding and reached a peak at 3 h. The IL-l level reached a peak at 6 h, and IL-6 peaked at 12 h. An infiltration of numerous leukocytes, indicatingacute inflammation, was observed at 3 and 6 h, and the main source of the cytokines was immunohistochemically identified as neutrophils. These results indicate that TNF and IL-1 play an important role in the commencement of inflammation. Rebound of cytokine levels, i.e. a re-increase, was observed at 72 h after wounding. Histological examination of the 72-h-old wound showed migration of fibroblasts and the formation of new granulation tissues, indicating the proliferative stage of the wound healing process. These experimental findings indicate that these cytokines have a close relationship to wound remodeling as well as to inflammation. From the viewpoint of forensic pathology, it is considered that inflammatory cytokines may become one of the markers for wound age estimation, but further studies are needed, especially those involving the investigation using human wound specimens with known time intervals after injury.This study was presented at the 79th Congress of the Medico-Legal Society of Japan (Yamagata, May 1995), the 16th Annual Meeting of the Japanese Society of Inflammation (Tokyo, July 1995) and the 74th Annual Meeting of the German Society of Legal Medicine (Aachen, September 1995).     

Todeszeitbestimmung auf der Basis simultaner Messung von Hirn- und Rektaltemperatur

Zusammenfassung Die Analyse der Daten an 21 Leichen simultan registrierter Hirn- und Rektaltemperaturkurven ergab hinsichtlich separater oder kombinierter Todeszeitberechnungen folgende Ergebnisse und Schlußfolgerungen:Im Bereich einer normierten Hirntemperatur (Q _H) 0,5Q _H<1,0 (etwa bis 6,5 hpm) führt die alleinige Verwendung der Hirntemperatur zu den präzisesten Todeszeitrückrechnungen (Standardabweichung um dt=0 s ₀=±0,75; Variationsbreite 3,3 h). Im Bereich 0,3Q _H<0,5 (etwa 6,5–10,5 hpm) ist die kombinierte Todeszeitrückrechnung mit Wichtung im Verhältnis 6 (Hirn):4 (Rektum) vergleichsweise am präzisesten (s ₀=±1,18; Variationsbreite 5 h). Im Bereich 0,07Q _H<0,3 (jenseits 10,5 hpm) ergibt die alleinige Verwendung der Rektaltemperatur die präzisesten Todeszeitberechnungen (s ₀=±1,62; Variationsbreite 6,6 h).Ein integrierter Rechenansatz aus beiden Rückrechnungsformeln mit dadurch möglicher Elimination der Temperatur bei Todeseintritt scheint im Bereich um 0,7Q _H<1,0 geeignet zu sein, größere Fehler berechneter Todeszeiten in Fällen mit z.B Fieber bei Todeseintritt zu vermeiden (s ₀=±0,69; Variationsbreite 2,7 h).Herrn Prof. Dr. W. Janssen zum 60 Geburtstag gewidmet