Forensic Pathology of Child Death Assessment

In her book Forensic Pathology of Child Death Assessment, Dr. Mary Case offers the reader a comprehensive review of child deaths that is not only a reference for forensic pathologists but can also be useful for forensic autopsy technicians, death investigators, professional nurses, and physician assistants. Dr. Case explores the role of the forensic pathologist and medical examiner/coroner, the medicolegal systems responsibilities, and the components of a forensic autopsy, and she includes photographs that largely depict the information given within the text. Dr. Case explains the deaths and categories of deaths that jurisdiction is taken regarding organ and tissue procurement, and why there is an acute need for children’s tissues and organs, and she summarizes the decision-making process of the medical examiner/coroner. She presents case studies with ample photographs that support the importance of being familiar with documentation and bodily injuries when making decisions. This book, with its extensive descriptions, photographs, and discussions, will provide a practical approach to assist in making determinations and decisions when faced with a fatal child maltreatment case.

The investigations of sudden unexpected death in children are some of the most challenging for the forensic pathologist. These deaths are even more challenging when they involve neuropathological injury. This book, whose lead author is both a forensic pathologist and neuropathologist, is organized by body region, which offers an extremely practical approach for the forensic pathologist. An entire volume, as it should be, is devoted to the neuropathology of pediatric head trauma. Detailed discussions of injuries and mechanisms of injury are intermixed with referenced studies which put our understanding of these injuries in proper context and elevate this work beyond the typical descriptive forensic pathology text. It is an academic, well-referenced work that also includes over 150 color images and numerous case studies. Not only will forensic pathologists and fellows find this valuable, but given the well-written, concise discussions and descriptions, the non-medical pediatric death investigator will also find it understandable and beneficial.

Forensic Pathology of Child Death Assessment is a condensed and restructured version of Dr. Case’s original work in a workbook format that includes an assessment section, allowing readers to test their newly gained knowledge. This workbook adds an extra quality educational tool for forensic pathologists, medical examiners, coroners, and others who investigate or teach about these deaths.