Advanced Diagnostic Tools in Hypothermia-Related Fatalities—A Pathological Perspective

Abstract

Background and Objectives: Although classical gross features are known in hypothermia victims, they lack specific diagnosis features. The aim of our study was to reveal specific brain and lung pathological features in a group of hypothermia-related fatalities. Materials and Methods: The study group comprised 107 cases from our files associated with hypothermia. Routine hematoxylin–eosin (H&E) staining and postmortem immunohistochemistry were performed. Results: The microscopic cerebral exam revealed diffuse perineuronal and perivascular edema, gliosis, mononuclear cell infiltration, acute brain injuries, focal neuronal ischemia, lacunar infarction, and variable hemorrhages. Variable alveolar edema, pulmonary emphysema, intra-alveolar and/or pleural hemorrhage, and bronchopneumonia, as well as other pre-existing lesions, were identified in lung tissue samples. Glial cells displayed S100β expression, while neurons showed moderate Hsp70 immunopositivity. Alveolar basal membranes exhibited diffuse ICAM-1 positive expression, while ICAM-1 and AQP-1 positivity was observed in the alveolar septum vascular endothelium. Statistical analysis revealed a significant correlation between S100β and Hps70 immunoexpression and cerebral pathological features, between ICAM-1 immunoexpression and alveolar edema and pulmonary emphysema, and between AQP-1 immunoexpression and pulmonary emphysema. Conclusions: Our results add supplementary data to brain and lung pathological findings in hypothermia-related fatalities, with potential therapeutic value in hypothermia patients.