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Dermatoglyphic examination of the dermal surface of bodies in advanced postmortem condition
Forensic Science International, 25 (1984) Elsevier Scientific Publishers Ireland Ltd.
209-218
209
DERMATOGLYPHIC EXAMINATION OF THE DERMAL SURFACE OF BODIES IN ADVANCED POSTMORTEM CONDITION
MICHIO OKAJIMA Tokyo Department of Forensic Medicine, l-5-45, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113 (Japan)
Medical
and
Dental
University,
Yushima
(Received October 21, 1983) (Accepted April 9, 1984)
summary A new technique was applied to examine dermatoglyphic characteristics in dead bodies in advanced postmortem conditions. For this purpose, the volar skin was first fixed in formalin, incubated in 1 N potassium hydroxide solution, and then the dermis was exposed. Dermatoglyphic features were inspected on the dermal surface by staining with toluidine blue solution. This technique may be useful in cases in which the regular examination process does not provide favourable results because of advanced decomposition of the skin. Key words: Dermatoglyphics;
Fingerprint; Postmortem
examination
Introduction A number of techniques have been developed for the investigation of finger impressions of deceased persons in which the regular printing procedure cannot be undertaken because of advanced postmortem conditions [ 11. In these methods, ridge impressions are usually recorded by inking and printing or photographing processes in subjects pretreated by various procedures, such as chemical treatments, removal of epidermal tissue, preparation of replica, etc. In this paper, the technique that was developed by the author [2,3] for the examination of dermatoglyphics of fetuses and cadavers was modified and tested for volar skins collected from dead bodies in advanced postmortem conditions. Methods In this paper, the original method [3] was modified for the preparation of the specimen. The specimen, the distal phalanx or a piece of skin, was fixed in 10% 0379-0738/84/$03.00
o 1984 Elsevier Scientific Publishers Ireland Ltd. Printed and Published in Ireland
210
formalin for 5 days. Then it was incubated in 1 N potassium hydroxide solution at 30°C for 48 h. when the specimen was covered with relatively thick epidermal tissue or for 24 h when the dermis was almost exposed. After this, the specimen was washed in running water for 3 h and immersed in 10% formalin for several more hours. The epidermal tissue that had become swollen was carefully removed with a cotton swab, and the dermal surface was exposed. This manipulation was applied to the specimen placed in water under a stereomicroscope, and then the skin was stained with toluidine blue, as stated below, to confirm the abrasion of epidermal cells. The exposed dermal surface as well as specimens before or after the treatment were stained with 0.05% toluidine blue solution for about 30 s, rinsed in water and inspected while immersed in water. The ridge impression was recorded by photographing. After the examination, the reagent was removed in 70% alcohol, and the specimen was preserved in 10% formalin. Thus, the inspection can be repeated. Anatomical
structure
of dermal ridges and staining effect
Anatomically, the dermal surface consists of four major components, i.e. groove, furrow, sweat duct and dermal papilla [4]. The groove is located under an epidermal ridge and sweat ducts penetrate it and are arranged straight along its midline. On the level of the dermal surface, every epidermal ridge is constructed of a double-row arrangement of dermal papillae, and is marked by dermal furrows that are located subjacent to the epidermal furrows. Generally, toluidine blue stains the distal sites of the dermal papillae dark violet and stains the furrows light blue, while the grooves and sweat ducts are not stained. Therefore, if viewed from the surface, each ridge is represented by a double-row arrangement of dermal papillae [3]. On the other hand, epidermal layers are less stained by the reagent. Among them, those constructed of cuboid cells are stained in a light blue tone, while the honey layer has no affinity to toluidine blue. Results Case 1
A 69-yearold female was found dead on September 25th, 1982 in moist brush in Kanagawa Prefecture 22 days after she was reported missing. At the inspection, the body was in a condition of fairly advanced decomposition. After finger impressions were examined by experts, the 10 distal phalanges, cut at the second joint and fixed in alcohol, were delivered to the author on October 1st for the present examination. (1) The Ieft index finger. In the distal half of the distal phalanx, the skin was wrinkled and the deeper layer of the epidermis remained, while, in the proximal half, the epidermis was entirely lost and the dermis was exposed and had a digested appearance. In the former, ridge contour was observed as slight undulations, but the details were not sharp enough to be identified.
211
After the specimen was fixed in formalin and treated with alkaline solution, the dermal surface was stained (Figs. 1 and 2). In contrast to the state before the treatment, the details of the surface structure became visible by the effect of toluidine blue, and the ridge contour was sharply disclosed as a double-row arrangement of dermal papillae. Fifteen minutiae were clearly identified by a rotating view. (2) The left middle finger. When it was delivered, the epidermal layers had been almost lost, and dermal papillae and the ridge arrangement were visible on the volar surface by staining with toluidine blue. Some of the minutiae were displayed. Then the specimen was treated with alkaline solution. During the process, it was recognized that a small amount of epidermal cells had remained on the dermis. These were scraped off by brushing. By staining, the ridge contour and minutiae became clearer (Fig. 3). The ridge contour, which was represented by the contrasts between the furrows, grooves and dermal papillae, was more emphasized on the color slide (Ektachrome) than the observation with the naked eye. (3) The right index finger. The epidermis had been almost lost on the volar surface, and the dermal surface was partially damaged by the postmortem decomposition. As the decomposition of the dermis was more advanced than the above two fingers, the ridge contour and minutiae were generally not sharp enough to be identified, though a loop configuration was recognized. By the alkaline solution treatment, a small amount of epidermal cells that coated the relatively intact part of the dermis was observed to be scraped off. The removal of epidermal residue slightly increased the staining effect, but it did not secure the identification of minutiae (Fig. 4). The contrast was slightly emphasized on the color slide. (4) Other fingers. On three fingers, the dermis was deeply digested almost throughout the volar surface and only a few very short lineal arrangements of dermal papillae remained. On the other four fingers, the dermal surface was entirely damaged, and no ridge contour was traceable. Case 2 Two volar skin samples were taken from the body of a 7%year-old male who was found in the sea in the winter. The postmortem period was estimated to be about seven days. In the hypothenar area of the right hand, the epidermis had been completely separated from the dermis. The dermal papillae were faintly stained. By the alkaline solution treatment, the staining effect on the dermal papillae that were fairly deformed was slightly increased, but the location of grooves and furrows as well as ridge contour could not be distinguished due to the advanced postmortem condition. The distal phalanx of the right ring finger was covered with epidermis, though it was macerated. The specimen was first fixed in formalin. The dermo-epidermal connection had been loosened, and the epidermis was easily separated by gentle pressure (Fig. 5). The exposed surface displayed
213
3 3
f
214
Fig. 2. Enlargements of dermal furrow (F), and sweat duct (S).
ridges and minutiae
of Fig. 1. Minutiae
(6,7),
groove
(G),
bulges of dermal papillae, but they were not stained with toluidine blue. Following this, the specimen was incubated in alkaline solution. By this treatment, the surface came to be stained intensively, so that details of the dermal papillae and ridge structure were displayed with a remarkable clarity. Case 3 A distal phalanx was obtained from the body of a 24-year-old female found on the ground in the winter about 17 days after her death. The epidermal layer was separating partially on the distal phalanx as a result
Fig. 3. Dermal surface of the left middle finger of Case 1. Toluidine blue staining. Ridged structure is illustrated, furrows in a darker tone, grooves in a lighter tone, and the decomposition of dermal papillae is fairly advanced.
215
Fig. 4. Dermal surface of the right index finger of Case 1. Toluidine blue staining. A loop configuration is observable, though, in general, the ridge contour and minutiae are fairly damaged.
Fig. 5. Distal phalanx of Case 2. Toluidine blue staining. The macerated epidermis was loosened and easily abraded by pressure, as seen at the upper left. Neither the epidermis nor the abraded surface showed affinity to the reagent. On the contrary, the lower half, treated with alkaline solution and stained, displays details of the dermal surface structure.
216
Fig. 6. Distal phalanx of Case 3. Toluidine blue staining. The dermo-epidermal connection was partially loosened (upper half). In this area, dermal papillae are somewhat deformed and reduced in their affinity to the reagent. Contrary to this, the dermal papillae are maintained in a good condition in the part where the epidermis adhered (lower half).
of postmortem changes, but it was bridged with sweat ducts, which were slipping out from the dermal tissue, to the dermis. In other parts, the epiderma1 tissue adhered tightly to the dermis. Generally, the epidermal surface was maintained in a relatively good condition, and the regular inking process was performable. The dermis was exposed by the alkaline solution treatment. On the dermal surface, where epidermal tissue adhered before the treatment, the ridge contour was sharply displayed by staining and presented a fresh appearance (Fig. 6). Contrary to this part, the affinity of the reagent was apparently reduced and the contour of the dermal papilla arrangement was deformed on the dermis, where the epidermal layer was peeling, though the identification of ridge arrangement was possible if the specimen was directly inspected. Case 4 A distal phalanx was obtained from the body of a 54-year-old male found dead in his home. The body was in a fairly advanced state of decomposition, and the postmortem period was estimated to be about 5 days. The epidermis was completely separated from the dermis. Direct inspection under a stereomicroscope did not disclose the ridge arrangement. By staining, dermal papillae became visible, but the shape and arrangement were distorted. These findings became slightly clearer after the alkaline solution treatment, and the general ridge arrangement could be faintly observed, but the contour of ridges and minutiae was not sharp enough to be identified (Fig. 7).
217
Fig. 7. Distal phalanx of Case 4. Toluidine blue staining. The epidermis was completely separated. The dermal surface was fairly damaged, but the general ridge arrangement is faintly observed.
Discussion The present method consists of three procedures, i.e. fixation of the skin in formalin, removal of the epidermal tissue by the alkaline solution treatment and staining the dermal surface with toluidine blue [3]. The reagent stains the distal portion of the dermal papillae, so that the dermal ridge is represented as a double-row arrangement of dermal papillae. In addition, grooves and furrows are distinguished by delicate differences represented in the color tones and the morphological configurations. This method was applied for volar skins obtained from four dead bodies that were in advanced postmortem conditions. As shown in the present specimens, the dermal tissue maintains an affinity to toluidine blue for a relatively longer period after death, while the epidermal tissue is severely damaged by postmortem decomposition. This peculiarity was observed in skins in which the epidermal tissue adhered to the dermis. The affinity of the dermal tissue is reduced when the dermoepidermal connection is loosened and the epidermis is abraded, as seen in bodies in advanced putrefaction or in water. In these cases, information obtainable is limited depending upon the damage to the dermal papillae. Staining with toluidine blue may also be applied to the skin of which the dermal surface is not yet exposed as the first step of examination, as the ridged structure occasionally becomes visible and provides some information. The surface structure of the dermis and the affinity to toluidine blue are stable against alkaline solution. In the present work, 1 N potassium hydroxide solution was used, instead of the 3% solution in the previous study, as the former acts more effectively. Incubation in the alkaline solution for a longer time or repeating the incubation does not harm the dermal tissue. If the epidermal tissue is not sufficiently removed, it is recommended that the incubation be repeated. On the contrary, intensifying the mechanical manipulation such as brushing should be avoided because it causes injuries to the dermal surface. Treatment with alkaline solution of a higher concentration or at higher temperatures also damages the dermis.
218
An advantage of this method is that the inspection can be repeated, if the specimen is preserved in formalin. In addition, color slides occasionally provide better contrast. Therefore, close analysis of ridge details and retouching of a photograph can be undertaken with the aid of direct observation of the original specimen or by viewing a color slide. As this technique is not tedious and is applicable to dead bodies in advanced postmortem conditions, it is recommended as a subsidiary method when the regular processes, such as inking, replica making and photographing [ 11, do not provide desirable results. References 1 Federal Bureau of Investigation, The Science of Fingerprints. U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington, D.C., 1978. 2 M. Okajima, Development of dermal ridges in the fetus. J. Med. Genet., 13 (1975) 243-250. Orig. 3 M. Okajima, Dermal and epidermal structures of the volar skin. Birth Defects: Artic. Ser., 15(6) (1979) 179-198. 4 L.S. Penrose, Memorandum on dermatoglyphic nomenclature. Birth Defects: Orig. Artic. Ser., 4(3) (1968) l-13.
209-218
209
DERMATOGLYPHIC EXAMINATION OF THE DERMAL SURFACE OF BODIES IN ADVANCED POSTMORTEM CONDITION
MICHIO OKAJIMA Tokyo Department of Forensic Medicine, l-5-45, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113 (Japan)
Medical
and
Dental
University,
Yushima
(Received October 21, 1983) (Accepted April 9, 1984)
summary A new technique was applied to examine dermatoglyphic characteristics in dead bodies in advanced postmortem conditions. For this purpose, the volar skin was first fixed in formalin, incubated in 1 N potassium hydroxide solution, and then the dermis was exposed. Dermatoglyphic features were inspected on the dermal surface by staining with toluidine blue solution. This technique may be useful in cases in which the regular examination process does not provide favourable results because of advanced decomposition of the skin. Key words: Dermatoglyphics;
Fingerprint; Postmortem
examination
Introduction A number of techniques have been developed for the investigation of finger impressions of deceased persons in which the regular printing procedure cannot be undertaken because of advanced postmortem conditions [ 11. In these methods, ridge impressions are usually recorded by inking and printing or photographing processes in subjects pretreated by various procedures, such as chemical treatments, removal of epidermal tissue, preparation of replica, etc. In this paper, the technique that was developed by the author [2,3] for the examination of dermatoglyphics of fetuses and cadavers was modified and tested for volar skins collected from dead bodies in advanced postmortem conditions. Methods In this paper, the original method [3] was modified for the preparation of the specimen. The specimen, the distal phalanx or a piece of skin, was fixed in 10% 0379-0738/84/$03.00
o 1984 Elsevier Scientific Publishers Ireland Ltd. Printed and Published in Ireland
210
formalin for 5 days. Then it was incubated in 1 N potassium hydroxide solution at 30°C for 48 h. when the specimen was covered with relatively thick epidermal tissue or for 24 h when the dermis was almost exposed. After this, the specimen was washed in running water for 3 h and immersed in 10% formalin for several more hours. The epidermal tissue that had become swollen was carefully removed with a cotton swab, and the dermal surface was exposed. This manipulation was applied to the specimen placed in water under a stereomicroscope, and then the skin was stained with toluidine blue, as stated below, to confirm the abrasion of epidermal cells. The exposed dermal surface as well as specimens before or after the treatment were stained with 0.05% toluidine blue solution for about 30 s, rinsed in water and inspected while immersed in water. The ridge impression was recorded by photographing. After the examination, the reagent was removed in 70% alcohol, and the specimen was preserved in 10% formalin. Thus, the inspection can be repeated. Anatomical
structure
of dermal ridges and staining effect
Anatomically, the dermal surface consists of four major components, i.e. groove, furrow, sweat duct and dermal papilla [4]. The groove is located under an epidermal ridge and sweat ducts penetrate it and are arranged straight along its midline. On the level of the dermal surface, every epidermal ridge is constructed of a double-row arrangement of dermal papillae, and is marked by dermal furrows that are located subjacent to the epidermal furrows. Generally, toluidine blue stains the distal sites of the dermal papillae dark violet and stains the furrows light blue, while the grooves and sweat ducts are not stained. Therefore, if viewed from the surface, each ridge is represented by a double-row arrangement of dermal papillae [3]. On the other hand, epidermal layers are less stained by the reagent. Among them, those constructed of cuboid cells are stained in a light blue tone, while the honey layer has no affinity to toluidine blue. Results Case 1
A 69-yearold female was found dead on September 25th, 1982 in moist brush in Kanagawa Prefecture 22 days after she was reported missing. At the inspection, the body was in a condition of fairly advanced decomposition. After finger impressions were examined by experts, the 10 distal phalanges, cut at the second joint and fixed in alcohol, were delivered to the author on October 1st for the present examination. (1) The Ieft index finger. In the distal half of the distal phalanx, the skin was wrinkled and the deeper layer of the epidermis remained, while, in the proximal half, the epidermis was entirely lost and the dermis was exposed and had a digested appearance. In the former, ridge contour was observed as slight undulations, but the details were not sharp enough to be identified.
211
After the specimen was fixed in formalin and treated with alkaline solution, the dermal surface was stained (Figs. 1 and 2). In contrast to the state before the treatment, the details of the surface structure became visible by the effect of toluidine blue, and the ridge contour was sharply disclosed as a double-row arrangement of dermal papillae. Fifteen minutiae were clearly identified by a rotating view. (2) The left middle finger. When it was delivered, the epidermal layers had been almost lost, and dermal papillae and the ridge arrangement were visible on the volar surface by staining with toluidine blue. Some of the minutiae were displayed. Then the specimen was treated with alkaline solution. During the process, it was recognized that a small amount of epidermal cells had remained on the dermis. These were scraped off by brushing. By staining, the ridge contour and minutiae became clearer (Fig. 3). The ridge contour, which was represented by the contrasts between the furrows, grooves and dermal papillae, was more emphasized on the color slide (Ektachrome) than the observation with the naked eye. (3) The right index finger. The epidermis had been almost lost on the volar surface, and the dermal surface was partially damaged by the postmortem decomposition. As the decomposition of the dermis was more advanced than the above two fingers, the ridge contour and minutiae were generally not sharp enough to be identified, though a loop configuration was recognized. By the alkaline solution treatment, a small amount of epidermal cells that coated the relatively intact part of the dermis was observed to be scraped off. The removal of epidermal residue slightly increased the staining effect, but it did not secure the identification of minutiae (Fig. 4). The contrast was slightly emphasized on the color slide. (4) Other fingers. On three fingers, the dermis was deeply digested almost throughout the volar surface and only a few very short lineal arrangements of dermal papillae remained. On the other four fingers, the dermal surface was entirely damaged, and no ridge contour was traceable. Case 2 Two volar skin samples were taken from the body of a 7%year-old male who was found in the sea in the winter. The postmortem period was estimated to be about seven days. In the hypothenar area of the right hand, the epidermis had been completely separated from the dermis. The dermal papillae were faintly stained. By the alkaline solution treatment, the staining effect on the dermal papillae that were fairly deformed was slightly increased, but the location of grooves and furrows as well as ridge contour could not be distinguished due to the advanced postmortem condition. The distal phalanx of the right ring finger was covered with epidermis, though it was macerated. The specimen was first fixed in formalin. The dermo-epidermal connection had been loosened, and the epidermis was easily separated by gentle pressure (Fig. 5). The exposed surface displayed
213
3 3
f
214
Fig. 2. Enlargements of dermal furrow (F), and sweat duct (S).
ridges and minutiae
of Fig. 1. Minutiae
(6,7),
groove
(G),
bulges of dermal papillae, but they were not stained with toluidine blue. Following this, the specimen was incubated in alkaline solution. By this treatment, the surface came to be stained intensively, so that details of the dermal papillae and ridge structure were displayed with a remarkable clarity. Case 3 A distal phalanx was obtained from the body of a 24-year-old female found on the ground in the winter about 17 days after her death. The epidermal layer was separating partially on the distal phalanx as a result
Fig. 3. Dermal surface of the left middle finger of Case 1. Toluidine blue staining. Ridged structure is illustrated, furrows in a darker tone, grooves in a lighter tone, and the decomposition of dermal papillae is fairly advanced.
215
Fig. 4. Dermal surface of the right index finger of Case 1. Toluidine blue staining. A loop configuration is observable, though, in general, the ridge contour and minutiae are fairly damaged.
Fig. 5. Distal phalanx of Case 2. Toluidine blue staining. The macerated epidermis was loosened and easily abraded by pressure, as seen at the upper left. Neither the epidermis nor the abraded surface showed affinity to the reagent. On the contrary, the lower half, treated with alkaline solution and stained, displays details of the dermal surface structure.
216
Fig. 6. Distal phalanx of Case 3. Toluidine blue staining. The dermo-epidermal connection was partially loosened (upper half). In this area, dermal papillae are somewhat deformed and reduced in their affinity to the reagent. Contrary to this, the dermal papillae are maintained in a good condition in the part where the epidermis adhered (lower half).
of postmortem changes, but it was bridged with sweat ducts, which were slipping out from the dermal tissue, to the dermis. In other parts, the epiderma1 tissue adhered tightly to the dermis. Generally, the epidermal surface was maintained in a relatively good condition, and the regular inking process was performable. The dermis was exposed by the alkaline solution treatment. On the dermal surface, where epidermal tissue adhered before the treatment, the ridge contour was sharply displayed by staining and presented a fresh appearance (Fig. 6). Contrary to this part, the affinity of the reagent was apparently reduced and the contour of the dermal papilla arrangement was deformed on the dermis, where the epidermal layer was peeling, though the identification of ridge arrangement was possible if the specimen was directly inspected. Case 4 A distal phalanx was obtained from the body of a 54-year-old male found dead in his home. The body was in a fairly advanced state of decomposition, and the postmortem period was estimated to be about 5 days. The epidermis was completely separated from the dermis. Direct inspection under a stereomicroscope did not disclose the ridge arrangement. By staining, dermal papillae became visible, but the shape and arrangement were distorted. These findings became slightly clearer after the alkaline solution treatment, and the general ridge arrangement could be faintly observed, but the contour of ridges and minutiae was not sharp enough to be identified (Fig. 7).
217
Fig. 7. Distal phalanx of Case 4. Toluidine blue staining. The epidermis was completely separated. The dermal surface was fairly damaged, but the general ridge arrangement is faintly observed.
Discussion The present method consists of three procedures, i.e. fixation of the skin in formalin, removal of the epidermal tissue by the alkaline solution treatment and staining the dermal surface with toluidine blue [3]. The reagent stains the distal portion of the dermal papillae, so that the dermal ridge is represented as a double-row arrangement of dermal papillae. In addition, grooves and furrows are distinguished by delicate differences represented in the color tones and the morphological configurations. This method was applied for volar skins obtained from four dead bodies that were in advanced postmortem conditions. As shown in the present specimens, the dermal tissue maintains an affinity to toluidine blue for a relatively longer period after death, while the epidermal tissue is severely damaged by postmortem decomposition. This peculiarity was observed in skins in which the epidermal tissue adhered to the dermis. The affinity of the dermal tissue is reduced when the dermoepidermal connection is loosened and the epidermis is abraded, as seen in bodies in advanced putrefaction or in water. In these cases, information obtainable is limited depending upon the damage to the dermal papillae. Staining with toluidine blue may also be applied to the skin of which the dermal surface is not yet exposed as the first step of examination, as the ridged structure occasionally becomes visible and provides some information. The surface structure of the dermis and the affinity to toluidine blue are stable against alkaline solution. In the present work, 1 N potassium hydroxide solution was used, instead of the 3% solution in the previous study, as the former acts more effectively. Incubation in the alkaline solution for a longer time or repeating the incubation does not harm the dermal tissue. If the epidermal tissue is not sufficiently removed, it is recommended that the incubation be repeated. On the contrary, intensifying the mechanical manipulation such as brushing should be avoided because it causes injuries to the dermal surface. Treatment with alkaline solution of a higher concentration or at higher temperatures also damages the dermis.
218
An advantage of this method is that the inspection can be repeated, if the specimen is preserved in formalin. In addition, color slides occasionally provide better contrast. Therefore, close analysis of ridge details and retouching of a photograph can be undertaken with the aid of direct observation of the original specimen or by viewing a color slide. As this technique is not tedious and is applicable to dead bodies in advanced postmortem conditions, it is recommended as a subsidiary method when the regular processes, such as inking, replica making and photographing [ 11, do not provide desirable results. References 1 Federal Bureau of Investigation, The Science of Fingerprints. U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington, D.C., 1978. 2 M. Okajima, Development of dermal ridges in the fetus. J. Med. Genet., 13 (1975) 243-250. Orig. 3 M. Okajima, Dermal and epidermal structures of the volar skin. Birth Defects: Artic. Ser., 15(6) (1979) 179-198. 4 L.S. Penrose, Memorandum on dermatoglyphic nomenclature. Birth Defects: Orig. Artic. Ser., 4(3) (1968) l-13.