Identification of a charred body through the radiographic morphology of the frontal sinus? A case report

Abstract

Introduction: The identification of charred bodies consists of a challenging procedure during forensic investigations. Forensic Dentistry and Anthropology arise essential to enable human identification through biological hard tissues, such as teeth and bones respectively. Objective: To report a case of positive human identification using the radiographic morphology of the frontal sinuses from postero anterior radiographs of the skull. Case report: In 2013, an unknown body of a 41-years-old male was found charred inside a residence. The charred body was referred for medical, dental and radiographic exams in order to retrieve information about the cause of death and identity. After checking police lists of missing persons, potential relative were found providing ante-mortem postero anterior radiographs from the skull. The radiograph was reproduced post-mortem, allowing for comparisons and positive identification. Conclusion: The present study highlights the usefulness of frontal sinuses as identification tools in the routine of forensic sciences and reinforces the need for properly registering and storing radiographic data, making of it potential source of legal evidence in the courts.