Finite element analysis of the effect of intracranial hemorrhages on postmortem cranioencephalic temperature

Abstract

Aim. To assess the local influence of intracranial hemorrhages of various types on postmortem cranioencephalic temperature by means of finite element modeling of the postmortem temperature field of the head.Methods. The geometry and postmortem heat exchange of human head anatomical structures were simulated using the ELCUT 6.5 software application based on the finite element method, both in the absence and presence of meningeal and intraventricular hemorrhages.Results. A twodimensional finite element model for determining the postmortem temperature field of the head in the presence of various intracranial hemorrhages under the conditions of convective heat exchange with the air was developed. The absence of a significant direct effect of intracranial hemorrhages on cranioencephalic temperature was confirmed.Conclusions. Cranioencephalic temperature can be used to determine the postmortem interval in the presence of any intracranial hemorrhages. In order to exclude errors associated with possible hyperthermic death, as well as those caused by local exposure to intraventricular hemorrhages, cranioencephalic temperature should be used to determine the postmortem interval only after its reduction to values lower than 36 °C.