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Zusammenfassungn‑Propanol wird endogen unter Ethanoleinfluss gebildet. Die Quelle des endogenen n‑Propanols ist bislang unbekannt. Mögliche Entstehungsorte sind der Darm oder die Leber. In dem hier dargestellten Pilotversuch wurde einer Testperson (n = 1) Ethanol intravenös (i.v.) verabreicht, um den Magen-Darm-Trakt zu umgehen. Während des Versuchs konnte mit steigender Ethanolkonzentration eine ebenfalls ansteigende n‑Propanol-Konzentration im Blut nachgewiesen werden, vergleichbar mit der n‑Propanol-Bildung bei vorherigen Studien nach oraler Aufnahme begleitstofffreier Alkoholika. In der Nullprobe war n‑Propanol nicht nachweisbar. Die Resultate des Versuches weisen darauf hin, dass endogenes n‑Propanol nicht im Magen-Darm-Trakt gebildet wird. Hinsichtlich der Aufklärung von Ort und Mechanismus der n‑Propanol-Formation sind weitere Experimente notwendig.

Sudden cardiac death (SCD) in adolescents and young adults may be the first manifestation of an inherited arrhythmic syndrome. Thus identification of a genetic origin in sudden death cases deemed inconclusive after a comprehensive autopsy and may help to reduce the risk of lethal episodes in the remaining family. Using next-generation sequencing (NGS), a large number of variants of unknown significance (VUS) are detected. In the majority of cases, there is insufficient evidence of pathogenicity, representing a huge dilemma in current genetic investigations. Misinterpretation of such variants may lead to inaccurate genetic diagnoses and/or the adoption of unnecessary and/or inappropriate therapeutic approaches. In our study, we applied current (ACMG) recommendations for variant classification in post-mortem genetic screening of a cohort of 56 SCD victims. We identified a total 53 rare protein-altering variants (MAF

Purpose Synthetic cannabinoids (SCs), highly metabolized substances, are rarely found unmodified in urine samples. Urine screening relies on SC metabolite detection, requiring metabolism knowledge. Metabolism data can be acquired via in vitro assays, e.g., human hepatocytes, pooled human liver microsomes (pHLM), cytochrome P450 isoforms and a fungal model; or in vivo by screening, e.g., authentic human samples or rat urine. This work describes the comprehensive study of PX-1 and PX-2 in vitro metabolism using three in vitro models. 5F-APP-PICA (PX-1) and 5F-APP-PINACA (PX-2) were studied as they share structural similarity with AM-2201, THJ-2201 and 5F-AB-PINACA, the metabolism of which was described in the literature. Methods For SC incubation, pHLM, cytochrome P450 isoenzymes and the fungal model Cunninghamella elegans LENDNER (C. elegans) were used. PX-1 and PX-2 in vitro metabolites were revealed comprehensively by liquid chromatography–high-resolution mass spectrometry measurements. Results In total, 30 metabolites for PX 1 and 15 for PX-2 were detected. The main metabolites for PX-1 and PX-2 were the amide hydrolyzed metabolites, along with an indole monohydroxylated (for PX-1) and a defluorinated pentyl-monohydroxylated metabolite (for PX-2). Conclusions CYP isoforms along with fungal incubation results were in good agreement to those obtained with pHLM incubation. CYP2E1 was responsible for many of the metabolic pathways; particularly for PX-1. This study shows that all three in vitro assays are suitable for predicting metabolic pathways of synthetic cannabinoids. To establish completeness of the PX-1 and PX-2 metabolic pathways, it is not only recommended but also necessary to use different assays.

Situations of both, intentional and inadvertent or accidental doping, necessitate consideration in today's doping controls, especially in the light of the substantial consequences that athletes are facing in case of so-called adverse analytical findings. The aim of this study was to investigate, whether a transdermal uptake of doping substances would be possible. In addition to the period of detectability of the particular substances or respective characteristic metabolites, the possibility of deducing the route of administration by metabolite patterns was also assessed. Twelve male subjects were included in the study. Four common anabolic androgenic steroids (AAS) were dissolved in dimethylsulfoxide to facilitate transdermal administration on different skin regions. One half of the test persons received only oxandrolone (17α-methyl-2-oxa-4,5α-dihydrotestosterone), and the other half were applied a mixture of oxandrolone, metandienone (17β-hydroxy-17α-methylandrosta-1,4-dien-3-one), clostebol (4-chlorotestosterone-17β-acetate) and dehydrochloromethyltestosterone (DHCMT). Urine samples were collected 1 h, 6 h and one sample per day for the next 14 consecutive days. Measurements were conducted on a tandem-gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS/MS) or tandem-liquid chromatography-MS/MS (LC-MS/MS) system. Substance findings were obtained at least 1 day after application on nearly all skin locations. The results indicated inter-individual variability in detection windows, also varying between the different analytes and possible impact of skin location and skin thickness, respectively. Nevertheless, a rapid and rather long detectability of all substances (or respective metabolites) was given, in some cases within hours after administration and for up to 10-14 days. Hence, the transdermal application or exposure to the investigated AAS is a plausible scenario that warrants consideration in anti-doping.

This is the first report of a segmental mediolysis occurring in arterioles, affecting the neck/tonsillar region and leading to a fatal hemorrhage after a tonsillectomy in a 20-year-old woman. Arteriolar mediolysis could be observed in tissue layers about 2 cm distant from the tonsillectomy region. Reparative changes were observed in the carotid and small neck arteries as well as in only one intramyocardial arteriole; however, no other vascular regions typically reported in segmental mediolysis arteriopathy were affected and aneurysm formation was not observed. No family history of vascular disease or hypertension was known. Pathophysiologically, previously reported reasons for post-tonsillectomy bleeding could be excluded. Segmental mediolysis may represent a wider spectrum of affected arteriolar vessels besides the reported small and medium sized arteries leading to aneurysms, which impedes radiographic diagnosis.

Compared to articular cartilage, the biomechanical properties of costal cartilage have not yet been extensively explored. The research presented addresses this problem by studying for the first time the anisotropic elastic behavior of human costal cartilage. Samples were taken from 12 male and female cadavers and unconfined compression and indentation tests were performed in mediolateral and dorsoventral direction to determine Young’s Moduli EC for compression and Ei5%, Ei10% and Eimax at 5%, 10% and maximum strain for indentation. Furthermore, the crack direction of the unconfined compression samples was determined and histological samples of the cartilage tissue were examined with the picrosirius-polarization staining method. The tests revealed mean Young’s Moduli of EC = 32.9 ± 17.9 MPa (N = 10), Ei5% = 11.1 ± 5.6 MPa (N = 12), Ei10% = 13.3 ± 6.3 MPa (N = 12) and Eimax = 14.6 ± 6.6 MPa (N = 12). We found that the Young’s Moduli in the indentation test are clearly anisotropic with significant higher results in the mediolateral direction (all P = 0.002). In addition, a dependence of the crack direction of the compressed specimens on the load orientation was observed. Those findings were supported by the orientation of the structure of the collagen fibers determined in the histological examination. Also, a significant age-related elastic behavior of human costal cartilage could be shown with the unconfined compression test (P = 0.009) and the indentation test (P = 0.004), but no sex effect could be detected. Those results are helpful in the field of autologous grafts for rhinoplastic surgery and for the refinement of material parameters in Finite Element models e.g., for accident analyses with traumatic impact on the thorax.

This work deals with the examination of tool marks in human cartilage. We compared the effectiveness of several cleaning methods on cut marks in porcine cartilage. The method cleaning by multiple casts achieved the significantly highest scores (P = 0.02). Furthermore, we examined the grain-like elevations (dots) located on casts of cut cartilage. The results of this study suggest that the casting material forms these dots when penetrating cartilage cavities, which are areas where the strong collagen fibres leave space for the chondrocytes. We performed fixation experiments to avoid this, without success. In addition, 31 casting materials were compared regarding contrast under light-microscope and 3D tool marks scanner. Under the light-microscope, brown materials achieved significantly higher values than grey (P = 0.02) or black (P = 0.00) whereas under the 3D scanner, black materials reached higher contrast values than grey (P = 0.04) or brown (P = 0.047). To compare the accuracy and reproducibility of 6 test materials for cartilage, we used 10 knives to create cut marks that were subsequently scanned. During the alignment of the individual signals of each mark, the cross-correlation coefficients (Xmax) and lags (LXmax) were calculated. The signals of the marks in agarose were aligned with significantly fewer lags and achieved significantly higher cross-correlation coefficients compared to all tested materials (both P = 0.00). Moreover, we determined the cross-correlation coefficients (XC) for known-matches (KM) per material. Agarose achieved significantly higher values than AccuTrans®, Clear Ballistics™, and gelatine (all P = 0.00). The results of this work provide valuable insights for the forensic investigation of marks in human costal cartilage.

ZusammenfassungAm 09.06.2021 kann das Institut für Rechtsmedizin in Köln auf 50 Jahre seines Bestehens zurückblicken und ist heute eines der bestausgestatteten Institute in Deutschland. Das Institut verdankt seine Existenz zwei besonderen Errungenschaften: zum einen den Bemühungen der Repräsentanten der Gerichtsmedizin an der Universität zu Köln, die die Idee von der fachlichen Eigenständigkeit geltend machten und die soziale Notwendigkeit eines gerichtsärztlichen Instituts vertraten, zum anderen der letztendlichen Angliederung des gerichtsärztlichen Institutes als akademische Lehranstalt an der Universität zu Köln. Diese Ereignisse berührten unmittelbar die Entstehungsgeschichte des Instituts. Der vorliegende Beitrag stützt sich primär auf archivalische Quellen. Das Kölner Universitätsarchiv ist im Besitz von umfangreichen Akten, die Auskunft zu den Verhandlungen zwischen der Medizinischen Fakultät, der Universität und der Stadt Köln sowie zu den Provisoriumsplanungen geben, die letztendlich einen Institutsbetrieb ermöglichten. Demzufolge basiert dieser Beitrag grundlegend auf diesen archivierten Schriftstücken, da sie eine repräsentative Quelle für ihre Zeit sind. Trotz dieser Archivalien ist insgesamt über die Jahre wenig erhalten geblieben, sodass Fragen offen bleiben, die besonders Zustände in der frühen Neuzeit betreffen, und sich die Geschichte somit nicht vollständig rekonstruieren lässt.

In cases where there is a question as to whether children have come into contact with drugs, examinations of their scalp hair are frequently carried out. Positive test results are often discussed in the forensic community due to the various possible modes via which drugs and their metabolites can be incorporated into the hair. These include drug uptake by the child (e.g. oral ingestion or inhalation), but also contamination of hair via contact with the sweat from drug users. In this study, the possibility of methadone and its metabolite EDDP being incorporated into children’s hair by contact with sweat from persons undergoing opiate maintenance therapy (methadone) was examined. The transfer of methadone and EDDP via sweat from methadone patients (n = 15) to children’s hair was simulated by close skin contact of drug-free children’s hair, encased in mesh-pouches, for 5 days. Sweat-collecting patches (hereafter referred to as ‘sweat patches’) were applied to the test persons’ skin. One strand of hair and one sweat patch were collected daily from each patient. Analyses were performed using GC–MS/MS (hair) and LC–MS/MS (serum, sweat patches). After 4 days of skin contact, methadone was detectable in the formerly drug-free hair strands in all 15 study participants. EDDP was detectable in 34 of 75 hair strands, with the maximum number of positive results (11 EDDP-positive hair strands) being detected after 5 days. These results show that transfer of methadone and EDDP to drug-free hair is possible through close skin contact with individuals taking part in methadone substitution programmes. A correlation between serum concentration, sweat concentration and substance concentration in hair strands could not be demonstrated, but a tendency towards higher concentrations due to longer contact time is clearly evident.

ZusammenfassungEin Mann wurde nicht ansprechbar mit einer Schnittverletzung am Hals in seiner Kfz-Werkstatt aufgefunden. Er berichtete, von hinten überfallen, ausgeraubt und mit einem scharfen Gegenstand am Hals verletzt worden zu sein. Eine Blutspurenmusteranalyse und Plausibilitätsprüfung der Angaben des Mannes ergab Hinweise auf eine Selbstbeibringung und darauf, dass das Handlungsgeschehen mehrphasig ablief. Als Tatwerkzeug wurde ein Teppichmesser, in einem Ölfass versteckt, gefunden. Nach umfangreichen Ermittlungen konnten ein Tatverdächtiger entlastet und der Verletzte wegen Vortäuschung einer Straftat verurteilt werden.

A 64-year-old man was found dead in bed in his flat. In his right hand he held a bicycle pump to which a small-gauge cannula was attached and two fresh puncture wounds were found on his left hand. During the autopsy an air embolism of ca. 50 ml air was detected in the right ventricle of the heart by means of an aspirometer. The air embolism could not be reliably detected in a thorax radiograph taken prior to autopsy. Blood in the right ventricle was foamy. Pathological changes to organs were not found. Aside from the puncture wounds, there were no signs of externally applied mechanical force. The results of the toxicological analyses were negative.

Frakturen des Sternums sind im Vergleich zu anderen Knochenbruchen selten. Insbesondere im Kindesalter werden Bruche des Brustbeins selten diagnostiziert und machen, bezogen auf die gesamte Anzahl der Sternumfrakturen, nur einen geringen Prozentsatz aus. In dem Fall eines 10 Jahre alten Jungen stellte sich dieser mit atemunabhangigen Schmerzen im Brustbereich bei seinem Kinderarzt vor, ahnliche Beschwerden bestanden bereits vor einer Woche. In der sonographischen Untersuchung ergab sich der Verdacht auf eine Fraktur des Sternums, welche durch eine anschliesende rontgenologische Untersuchung bestatigt wurde. Nach Besprechung der Befunde gab die Mutter an, dass die Schmerzen erstmals aufgetreten seien, nachdem der 12-jahrige Cousin ihrem Sohn mit dem Knie gegen das Brustbein gestosen habe. Es stellte sich die Frage nach der Plausibilitat des angegebenen Verletzungsmechanismus. Vor dem Hintergrund des beschriebenen Falls wird unter Einbezug der aktuellen Literatur ein Uberblick uber epidemiologische Daten, zugrunde liegende Verletzungsmechanismen sowie anatomische Besonderheiten von isolierten Sternumfrakturen im Kindesalter gegeben. Dabei zeigt sich, dass isolierte Sternumfrakturen in der im vorgestellten Fall vorliegenden Altersgruppe bei alterstypischen spielerischen Tatigkeiten auftreten konnen. Die Plausibilitat des angegebenen Verletzungsmechanismus kann im vorliegenden Fall somit in der Zusammenschau bestatigt werden.

ZusammenfassungPassspurenuntersuchungen verfolgen i. d. R. das Ziel, die ehemalige Einheit von Fragmenten zu belegen. Jede Bruchstruktur ist individuell und damit unterscheidbar gestaltet und entsteht durch eine zufällige Abfolge von Richtungswechseln des Trennverlaufes, welche von einer Vielzahl nichtreproduzierbarer Faktoren beeinflusst wird. Die Untersuchung der Bruchflächen erfolgt unter gegenläufiger Lichtführung mit dem Vergleichslichtmikroskop. Alternativ werden in der Kriminaltechnik immer häufiger 3D-Oberflächenscanner und Vergleichssoftware verwendet. In dieser Arbeit werden 3 Kasuistiken präsentiert, in denen Fragmente, die nach Angriffen durch scharfe oder stumpfe Gewalt im Körper der Geschädigten verblieben sind, in Passspurenuntersuchungen mit dem verwendeten Tatwerkzeug verglichen wurden. Es werden zudem Empfehlungen zu fotografischer Dokumentation und spurenschonender Sicherung solcher Fragmente gegeben. In 2 der präsentierten Fallbeispiele wurde das Opfer jeweils mit Messern attackiert, und Fragmente der Messerklingen verblieben in den Körpern der Geschädigten. Im 3. Fall verwendeten die Täter einen hölzernen Baseballschläger, von welchem ein Splitter in einer Kopfwunde des Opfers verblieb. In allen 3 Fällen konnten die Fragmente anhand der Bruchstrukturen den Tatwerkzeugen zugeordnet werden.

Sudden cardiac death (SCD) in adolescents and young adults may be the first manifestation of an inherited arrhythmic syndrome. Thus identification of a genetic origin in sudden death cases deemed inconclusive after a comprehensive autopsy and may help to reduce the risk of lethal episodes in the remaining family. Using next-generation sequencing (NGS), a large number of variants of unknown significance (VUS) are detected. In the majority of cases, there is insufficient evidence of pathogenicity, representing a huge dilemma in current genetic investigations. Misinterpretation of such variants may lead to inaccurate genetic diagnoses and/or the adoption of unnecessary and/or inappropriate therapeutic approaches. In our study, we applied current (ACMG) recommendations for variant classification in post-mortem genetic screening of a cohort of 56 SCD victims. We identified a total 53 rare protein-altering variants (MAF 0.2%) classified as VUS or worse. Twelve percent of the cases exhibited a clinically actionable variant (pathogenic, likely pathogenic or VUS - potentially pathogenic) that would warrant cascade genetic screening in relatives. Most of the variants detected by means of the post-mortem genetic investigations were VUS. Thus, genetic testing by itself might be fairly meaningless without supporting background data. This data reinforces the need for an experienced multidisciplinary team for obtaining reliable and accountable interpretations of variant significance for elucidating potential causes for SCDs in the young. This enables the early identification of relatives at risk or excludes family members as genetic carriers. Also, development of adequate forensic guidelines to enable appropriate interpretation of rare genetic variants is fundamental.

This study centres on the prevalence of new psychoactive substances (NPS) stimulant use, and its relevance as a cause of death amongst individuals between the ages of 12 and 35 in the greater Cologne area. An automated solid-phase extraction-liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry method was developed for the determination of 97 stimulants in urine (including conventional stimulants, e.g. amphetamine and MDMA), of which 68 analytes were fully validated for quantification. Samples of urine or kidney tissue (in cases where urine was unavailable) of 268 deceased were collected, during autopsy, between January 2011 and May 2017 and analyzed. Blood (if available) was also investigated in cases where urine/kidney samples were tested positive for NPS. An intake of stimulants (including NPS stimulants) was proven in 50 cases. In 33 cases, only conventional stimulants were detected. A total of 17 cases were tested positive for NPS. Of the 17 NPS-positive cases, 13 were also tested positive for other conventional drugs of abuse (mostly amphetamine and MDMA). In six NPS-positive cases, at least three different NPS were proven to be ingested. Due to the determined blood concentrations, NPS was assigned as the leading cause of death, or of toxicological relevance, in the cause of death in only 5 cases. In two of the cases, NPS was judged to be a component of a multidrug poisoning, but of minor relevance.

Eine 75 Jahre alt gewordene Frau verweigerte aus personlichen Grunden die medizinische Versorgung eines Plattenepithelkarzinoms der Gesichtshaut, was zu einem ausgepragten Befund mit Freilegung von Hirnstrukturen fuhrte. Das kutane Plattenepithelkarzinom (PEK) macht knapp 20 % aller nichtmelanozytaren Hauttumoren aus und stellt neben dem Basalzellkarzinom den zweithaufigsten Hauttumor dar. Die Inzidenz steigt mit zunehmenden Lebensalter. Atiologisch spielen eine aktinische Prakanzerose der Haut durch ultraviolette (UV-) Strahlung sowie eine langjahrige Vorschadigung durch chemische Noxen, aber auch chronisch-entzundliche und degenerative Hautveranderungen eine Rolle. Todesursachlich im vorliegenden Fall war ein tumortoxisches Herz-Kreislauf-Versagen mit ausgepragter Tumorkachexie. Es bleibt eindrucksvoll, dass bei diesem ausgepragten Befundbild mit Zerstorung des Hirnschadels und Hirnparenchyms der Tod erst in solch einem fortgeschrittenen Krankheitsstadium und nicht zeitlich fruher eingetreten ist. Ein Vorwurf einer unterlassenen Hilfeleistung war den Angehorigen nicht zu machen, da eine bewusstseinsklare erwachsene Person die Therapie verweigern darf.

Diabetes mellitus ist eine der haufigsten, chronischen Erkrankungen im Kindes- und Jugendalter, wobei ein deutliches Ansteigen der Pravalenz des Diabetes mellitus Typ 2 in diesen Alternsgruppen beobachtet werden kann. Diese Erkrankung kann nicht nur zu Langzeitschaden fuhren, sondern auch zu teilweise letalen Komplikationen, insbesondere in der Pubertat. Im Rahmen der Falldarstellungen werden zwei Falle mit solch todlichen Komplikationen prasentiert. Im ersten Fall war ein Diabetes mellitus Typ 1, im zweiten Fall ein Diabetes mellitus Typ 2 als Grunderkrankung bekannt. In beiden Fallen konnte nach durchgefuhrter Sektion und postmortalen klinisch-chemischen sowie chemisch-toxikologischen Untersuchungen mithilfe der Traub-Summenformel ein diabetisches Koma (hyperosmolar bzw. ketoazidotisch) auf Basis einer mangelnden Verabreichung von Insulin als Todesursache gesichert werden.

Background Some in vivo studies question the traditional "funnel-shaped" infant larynx; further anatomic examinations were warranted. Examination of fixative free fresh autopsy laryngeal and upper tracheal specimens and multiple measurements was needed to determine consistency between current tracheal tube designs and anatomic observations. Methods Larynges from 19 males and 11 females (Caucasian term newborn to 126 months) were examined by the same forensic pathologist. Measurements included anterior/posterior (A/P) and transverse (T) diameters of the cricoid outlet (CO), interarytenoid diameter (IAD), cricothyroid membrane (CTM), distance from the vocal cords (VC) to CO (VC-CO), and calibration of the larynx lumen with uncuffed tracheal tubes as measuring rods. Assessment of "safe tracheal tube placement" was assessed using manufacturer recommended cuffed Microcuff (Kimberly-Clark, Koblenz, Germany) tubes. Results In 77% (95% confidence interval [CI], 58-90) of specimens, the proximal end of the cuff was within the CO and in 23% even with or close to the CO. The VC-CO varied from 9.1 to 13.17 mm in infants, 11.55 to 15.17 mm in toddlers, and 13.19 to 18.34 mm in children. The A-P/T ratio of the CO was nearly 0.99 in most larynges; the IAD was greater than CO in all specimens. The CTM could be minimally distended in all specimens. Conclusions First, despite being marketed as a safer tracheal tube design, the proximal end of the Microcuff cuff rested within or close to the cricoid cartilage theoretically increasing potential cuff-induced injury when using the VC markings for positioning. Our data suggest that the optimal cuff free distance (VC-CO) would be ~13.5 mm for a Microcuff internal diameter (ID) size 3.0, ~15 mm for size 3.5, and ~16 to 19 mm for greater sizes.Second, the CO was virtually circular in all specimens, suggesting that appropriately sized uncuffed tubes should provide an adequate seal in most neonates and toddlers, thus avoiding the potential for cuff-related necrosis injury.Third, the IAD was always greater than CO confirming that the narrowest point of the infant larynx is the nondistensible cricoid cartilage and not the easily distended glottis.Fourth, appropriately sized Microcuff tubes with the cuff deflated completely filled the lumen of the CO and proximal trachea in all specimens. Our data suggest the need for all manufacturers to further evaluate tracheal tube cuff locations and lengths in relation to the VC safe insertion markings, particularly for neonates and toddlers.Fifth, the CTM is minimally distensible, thus having important implications for emergency surgical airway access with most currently available emergency airway devices.

We present a case of a 20-year-old man who suffered from Kawasaki disease (KD) associated with a florid parvovirus infection, and who died suddenly from thrombotic occlusion of the coronary arteries. The autopsy revealed several aneurysms of the coronary arteries, a chronic vasculitis and a myofibroblast proliferation leading to focal luminal narrowing. The inflammatory response as well as the detection of the viral particles by PCR in blood and in the lesional tissue demonstrated a possible cause by Parvovirus infection. The expression of endoglin on endothelial cells of neoangiogenesis indicates the involvement of the TGF-beta pathway, necessary for maintaining chronic inflammation. In addition, a possible connection between the intake of methylphenidate, arteritis and a possible pre-existing heart disease must be discussed. Furthermore, KD must also be considered as a cause of sudden death in the adult population.

This paper describes the variety of information that a tool mark analysis on human tissue can provide based on a case of multiple sharp violence. The perpetrator attacked the victim with a sharp-edged weapon against the head, leaving several deep wounds on the back of the skull bone. Three of those marks on the skull bone could be used for a forensic tool mark examination. Silicone casts of the marks were compared by light microscopy with casts of test marks of Japanese katana swords found at the crime scene. One of the swords could be identified as the one responsible for the marks. In addition, the marks and the test marks were scanned in 3D and examined in a visual on-screen comparison confirming the results from the light microscopic examination. Furthermore, a mathematical approach in which the signatures of the marks from the skull bone and the test marks from the sword were compared by cross correlation confirms those findings. In addition, the aforementioned results were used to determine the orientation of the sword in relation to the cranial bone at the time of the respective impact.

This case report centres on the post-mortem distribution of the synthetic cannabinoid MDMB-CHMICA and its metabolites in the case of a 27-year-old man found dead after falling from the 24th floor of a high-rise building. Toxicological analysis of post-mortem samples confirmed, besides consumption of the synthetic cannabinoids MDMB-CHMICA (1.7 ng/mL femoral blood) and EG-018, the abuse of THC (9.3 ng/mL femoral blood), amphetamine (1050 ng/mL femoral blood), MDMA (275 ng/mL femoral blood), and cocaine. Regarding EG-018 and cocaine, only traces were detected in heart blood as well as in the brain (EG-018) and urine (cocaine), respectively, which is why no quantification was conducted in the femoral blood sample. It was concluded from femoral blood analysis that, at the time of death, the man was under the influence of the synthetic cannabinoid MDMB-CHMICA, THC, amphetamine and MDMA. Comprehensive screenings of all post-mortem specimens were conducted to elucidate the post-mortem distribution of MDMB-CHMICA and its metabolites. The MDMB-CHMICA concentrations ranged between 0.01 ng/mL (urine) and 5.5 ng/g (brain). Comparably low concentrations were detected in cardiac and femoral blood (2.1 ng/mL and 1.7 ng/mL, respectively) as well as in the psoas major muscle (1.2 ng/g). Higher concentrations were found in the lung (2.6 ng/g), liver (2.6 ng/g), and kidney (3.8 ng/g). Gastric content yielded a MDMB-CHMICA concentration of 2.4 ng/g (1.1 μg absolute). Screening for MDMB-CHMICA metabolites resulted in the detection of mainly monohydroxylated metabolites in the blood, kidney, and liver specimens. Results indicated that monohydroxylated metabolites of MDMB-CHMICA are appropriate target analytes for detecting MDMB-CHMICA intake.

Shaken baby syndrome (SBS) is a well-known phenomenon in the field of forensic and pediatric experts; however, there are difficulties and controversies when it comes to biomechanical reconstruction as neither experimental studies nor independent witnesses exist. A possible source of information comes from perpetrators’ confessions if available. We present two cases of confirmed SBS, where one includes a broad confession and the other contains an interview with the perpetrator who confessed to the crime. Both perpetrators reported similar social environmental situations (overwhelmed by crying children) and similar descriptions of how the child was handled (hands on both sides of the thorax, shaken back and forth). Both children ceased crying after being shaken and died despite medical treatment for the injuries.

Bei dem Todesfall einer 76 Jahre alt gewordenen Frau war aufgrund der Auffindesituation mit einem ausgepragten Blutspurenmuster sowie Verletzungen durch mehrere scharfe Gewalteinwirkungen zunachst fraglich, ob es sich um eine Selbst- oder Fremdbeibringung der Verletzungen handelte. Durch eine Blutspurenmusteranalyse und die Obduktion einschlieslich chemisch-toxikologischer Untersuchungen konnte in Zusammenschau mit den kriminalpolizeilichen Ermittlungsergebnissen eine Fremdbeibringung ausgeschlossen werden, sodass sich zusammenfassend ein hamorrhagischer Schock durch massive, selbstbeigebrachte Verletzungen ergab. Als besonderer Befund zeigten sich Handgelenkschnitte, die in ihrer Intensitat zur subtotalen Amputation der Hand gefuhrt hatten.

Providing concise proof of child abuse relies heavily on clinical findings, such as certain patterns of injury or otherwise not plausibly explainable trauma. Subdural hemorrhaging has been identified as a common occurrence in abused children whereas epidural hemorrhaging is related to accidents. In order to explore this correlation, we retrospectively analyzed clinical data of children under 19 years of age diagnosed with either injury. Reviewing 56 cases of epidural and 38 cases of subdural bleeding, it was shown that subdural bleeding is more common in young children and extremely often a result of suspected abuse in children under 2 years of age. Epidural hemorrhaging however never was found in the context of suspected abuse, was unrelated to other injuries typical for abuse, and did not see a statistically significant increase in any age group. In conformity with currently theorized mechanisms of injury for both types of bleeding, we found that subdural hemorrhaging in young children is closely associated with abuse whereas epidural bleeding is not.

Die Leichen einer 27 Jahre alt gewordenen Frau und eines 44 Jahre alt gewordenen Mannes wurden eng umschlungen auf ihrem Bett liegend aufgefunden. Ein groskalibriger Revolver lag unmittelbar neben ihnen auf dem Bett. Die rechtsmedizinischen Untersuchungen am Leichenfundort und die anschliesend gerichtlich angeordneten Obduktionen ergaben bei der Frau eine todesursachliche, sagittale Durchschussverletzung des Brustkorbs mit Schussrichtung von hinten nach vorne und bei dem darunterliegenden Mann eine sagittale Steckschussverletzung des Brustkorbs mit Einschussverletzung mittig in der vorderen Brustwand. Die am Tatort durchgefuhrten Untersuchungen zur Leichenliegezeit erbrachten bei beiden Personen ubereinstimmende Ergebnisse mit einem zeitlich zusammenfallenden Todeseintritt etwa 7 h vor dem Untersuchungszeitpunkt. Die Ergebnisse der anschliesend durchgefuhrten chemisch-toxikologischen Untersuchungen ergaben ausergewohnlich hohe Amphetaminkonzentrationen bei der Frau und eine Mischintoxikation mit Amphetamin, Ecstasy und Alkohol beim Mann. Bei beiden konnten Kokainmetaboliten als Hinweis fur einen zeitlich fruheren Kokainkonsum nachgewiesen werden. Im Zusammenhang mit den polizeilichen Ermittlungsergebnissen liesen sich die rechtsmedizinischen Untersuchungsbefunde in einen ungewohnlichen „gemeinschaftlichen Suizid“ einordnen.

From time to time, severe or fatal injuries caused by small caliber air rifle projectiles are seen. In forensic sciences, the theoretical wounding potential of these weapons and projectiles is widely known. Usually, shots against the skull were reported and, in these cases, penetrating the eyes or thin bone layers of the temporal region. Amongst a huge number of different projectiles available for air guns, sub-caliber 4.4-mm (.173) caliber steel ball projectiles were used in an unusual suicide case. This case led to fundamental questions concerning wound ballistics. An 82-year-old man shot once against his right temporal region and twice into his mouth with a 4.5-mm (.177) caliber air rifle. Because of the exceptionally deep penetration of the base of the skull and the use of spherical-shaped sub-caliber air rifle projectiles, terminal ballistic features were analyzed and compared to results published in forensic literature. Test shots using the same weapon and similar projectiles were fired into ballistic gelatin to measure and calculate basic wound ballistic variables of cal. 4.4-mm (.173) steel balls. In comparison, further test shots with cal. 4.5-mm (.177) steel balls BB (ball bearing), flat-headed and pointed air rifle pellets ("diabolos") were carried out. The theoretical penetration depth in solid bone was calculated with 36.4 mm, and test shots in gelatin from hard contact produced an on-average wound track of 120 mm underlining the potential wounding effect. Furthermore, spherical projectiles could roll back and forth within the barrel, and an air cushion between projectile and breechblock can reduce muzzle velocity by more than half, explaining the retained missile in the temporal region.

An organ distribution investigation was carried out on two deceased (A and B) who consumed 4-methylethcathinone (4-MEC), methylenedioxypyrovalerone (MDPV), methoxetamine (MXE) and α-pyrrolidinopentiophenone (α-PVP). The detection of the aforementioned drugs in the specimens was performed on a liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry system. Two different extraction methods were compared with each other—a quick, easy, cheap, effective, rugged and safe (QuEChERS) approach and an automated Instrument Top Sample Preparation-solid phase extraction (ITSP-SPE). Standard addition method was used to quantify the drugs. 4-MEC, MDPV and MXE were detected in all collected tissues and body fluids of the two deceased. α-PVP was also detectable in deceased A. Deceased A showed femoral blood concentrations of 97 µg/L 4-MEC, 396 µg/L MDPV, 295 µg/L MXE and 4 µg/L α-PVP measured after extraction by QuEChERS and 118 µg/L 4-MEC, 342 µg/L MDPV, 385 µg/L MXE and 4 µg/L α-PVP measured after ITSP-SPE. Deceased B revealed heart blood concentrations of 8 µg/L 4-MEC, 3 µg/L MDPV and 2 µg/L MXE after extraction by QuEChERS and 8 µg/L 4-MEC and 1 µg/L MXE after ITSP-SPE. Both preparation techniques were suitable for quantifying NPS in organ tissues and body fluids. With respect to the autopsy findings, the cause of death of deceased A was determined to be an acute intoxication with NPS. No certain cause of death could be ascertained for deceased B.

Ein knapp 3 Jahre altes Madchen wurde durch die Mutter mit einer massiven, deformierend-helmformigen, fluktuierenden und druckdolenten Schwellung des Kopfes nachts in einer kinderchirurgischen Abteilung vorstellig. Anamnestisch sei das Kind mit der Auffalligkeit aufgewacht; es waren keinerlei auserlich sichtbaren Kopfhautverletzungen abzugrenzen. Neurologische Auffalligkeiten bestanden zu keinem Zeitpunkt. Es lag eine nichttransfusionspflichtige Anamie vor; eine Gerinnungsstorung konnte laborchemisch ausgeschlossen werden. Auch im Ubrigen war das Kind gesund. Die durchgangige Verlaufsdokumentation mithilfe von Magnetresonanztomographie und Sonographie des Schadels ergab ein ausergewohnlich stark ausgepragtes subgaleales Hamatom, ohne intrakranielle pathologische Veranderungen. Am Rucken des Madchens waren Hamatome und halbmondformige Oberhautlasionen erkennbar, die sich mit einem gewaltsamen Umfassen des Brustkorbs erklaren liesen. Es wurde der Verdacht auf ein nichtakzidentelles Trauma infolge einer flachenhaft-tangentialen, scherend einwirkenden Kraft gegen die Kopfschwarte gestellt. In der Folge entwickelte sich ein ausgedehntes, uber die Suturen reichendes subgaleales Hamatom, das makromorphologisch von einem lokal begrenzten Kephalhamatom abgrenzbar war. Kraftiges Reisen an den Haaren kam in der Befundkonstellation am ehesten als verursachend in Betracht.

Die Leichenbeseitigung selbst ist kein allzu seltenes Phanomen. Das Verpacken eines Korpers hingehen ist deutlich seltener und kann die unterschiedlichsten Facetten annehmen. Bei den vorliegenden Fallen sollen die unterschiedlichen Fallkonstellationen herausgearbeitet und hinsichtlich Vorgehen, Motivation und Verpackungsart analysiert werden. Retrospektiv wurden fur den Zeitraum vom 01.01.2009 bis zum 31.12.2016 alle Sektionsfalle des Instituts fur Rechtsmedizin der Medizinischen Fakultat der Universitat zu Koln analysiert. Die Fallumstande und Sektionsergebnisse wurden wissenschaftlich aufgearbeitet. In die Auswertung wurden lediglich Falle einbezogen, bei denen der Leichnam oder Teile des Leichnams verpackt aufgefunden wurden. Die Falle decken ein breites Spektrum an Konstellationen ab: Es handelt sich in 7 Fallen um ein vollendetes Totungsdelikt, in 3 Fallen um einen vollendeten Suizid, in einem Fall um einen autoerotischen Unfall und in ebenfalls einem Fall um einen naturlichen Tod. Im Rahmen von Totungsdelikten dient die Verpackung einer Leiche oftmals der Verbergung, die Verpackung und der Ort des Verbleibens der Leiche sind jedoch vielfaltig. Ebenso vielfaltig gestaltet sich aber auch die Verpackung im Rahmen von Suiziden, autoerotischen Unfallen und „harmloseren“ Fallkonstellationen.

Amoklaufe kamen in Deutschland in den letzten Jahren immer wieder sporadisch vor und wurden rechtsmedizinisch untersucht. Sie unterscheiden sich von terroristischen Attentaten weniger im Ablauf als in der Motivation der/des Tater/s. Der vorliegende Beitrag beschreibt rechtsmedizinische Untersuchungen, die zur vollstandigen Aufarbeitung eines Amoklaufs erforderlich sind. Ein besonderer Fokus wird auf ihre Organisation gelegt, da die Moglichkeiten zur Beantwortung von Fragen, die im weiteren Verlauf auftreten konnen, durch die Festlegung von Ablauf und Umfang der Untersuchungen wesentlich bestimmt oder limitiert werden. Untersuchungen vor Ort, Identifikation der betroffenen Personen, Erfassung der Verletzungsmuster (bei Lebenden und Toten), Untersuchung des Taters/Tatverdachtigen, einschlieslich chemisch-toxikologischer Untersuchungen, Betrachtung der Einzeltaten und die zusammenfassende Analyse des Gesamtablaufs bilden das Spektrum der rechtsmedizinischen Untersuchungen von Amoklaufen. Diese werden samtlich in enger Kooperation mit den Ermittlungsbehorden durchgefuhrt. Einzig die Verfugbarkeit der postmortalen Computertomographie, die zunehmende Verbreitung gefunden hat, hat das Methodenspektrum erweitert und bezuglich der Dokumentation knocherner Verletzungen und der Lokalisation von Projektilen auch deutlich verbessert. Problematisch konnen unzureichende Untersuchungen oder Untersuchungsbedingungen sein, wenn zu einem spateren Zeitpunkt in der Offentlichkeit Fragen aufkommen, die primar nicht bedacht wurden und denen damit unzureichend oder gar nicht nachgegangen wurde. Untersuchungen von Opfern von Amoktaten unterscheiden sich in Bezug auf die Fallumstande, nicht aber inhaltlich von denen anderer rechtsmedizinischer Untersuchungen. Die sorgfaltige und umfassende (sowie damit auch zeitaufwendige) Dokumentation der Untersuchungsbefunde ist obligat.

This case report deals with a 25-year-old woman who suffered from a long-term borderline personality disorder and from acute suicidal tendencies, including the intentional consumption of poisonous plants. When questioned during her self-referral to the psychiatric emergency department, she denied any suicide attempt or consumption of poisonous agents. Due to her medical history, her admission was followed by an intensive medical observation. During this observation period, the patient suffered an episode of acute respiratory insufficiency, which was followed by cardiac arrest. All resuscitation attempts were futile. Due to the unexplained nature of her death, the case was referred to the criminal investigation department. All findings of the routine systematic toxicological analysis of the patient’s blood sample, including immunochemical examinations and a high-performance liquid chromatography general unknown screening for drugs, were in accordance with the patient’s medication regimen and did not indicate a lethal overdose of any drug. During the analytical examinations, the deceased’s mother informed the psychiatric outpatient service of having found yew leaves in her daughter’s clothes and at her flat. The liquid chromatography--tandem mass spectrometry target analysis for yew pseudo-alkaloids (taxine B/isotaxine B) yielded a combined concentration of 110 µg/L. No autopsy was performed, because no criminality was suspected. In conclusion, it seems most plausible to conclude that the patient died of yew intoxication.

Ein 55 Jahre alter Mann wurde leblos auf einer Bundesautobahn neben seinem Pkw aufgefunden, mit 3 klaffenden Schnittwunden an der linken Halsseite. Zunachst wurde von einem Suizid oder einer Totung des Mannes ausgegangen. Unter der Obduktion stellten sich die Verletzungen teilweise mit einem feinen Schurfsaum und unregelmasigen Wundrandern dar. Todesursachlich war eine verletzungsbedingte Polytraumatisierung mit Blutaspiration. Im Rahmen weitergehender Ermittlungen konnte ein Lkw mit scharfkantigen Beschadigungen an der rechten Fahrzeugfront sichergestellt werden. Die Verletzungen an der Leiche konnten mit den Bruchstucken am Lkw in Einklang gebracht werden, sodass im Ergebnis von einem unfallbedingten Kontakt des Mannes mit dem Lkw auszugehen war.

The organ distribution of 3-fluorophenmetrazine (3-FPM), pyrazolam, diclazepam as well as its main metabolites delorazepam, lormetazepam and lorazepam, was investigated. A solid phase extraction (SPE) and a QuEChERS (acronym for quick, easy, cheap, effective, rugged and safe) - approach were used for the extraction of the analytes from human tissues, body fluids and stomach contents. The detection was performed on a liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry system (LCMS/MS). The analytes of interest were detected in all body fluids and tissues. Results showed femoral blood concentrations of 10 μg/L for 3-FPM, 28 μg/L for pyrazolam, 1 μg/L for diclazepam, 100 μg/L for delorazepam, 6 μg/L for lormetazepam, and 22 μg/L for lorazepam. Tissues (muscle, kidney and liver) and bile exhibited higher concentrations of the mentioned analytes than in blood. Additional positive findings in femoral blood were for 2-fluoroamphetamine (2-FA, approx. 89 μg/L), 2-flourometamphetamine (2-FMA, hint), methiopropamine (approx. 2.2 μg/L), amphetamine (approx. 21 μg/L) and caffeine (positive). Delorazepam showed the highest ratio of heart (C) and femoral blood (P) concentration (C/P ratio = 2.5), supported by the concentrations detected in psoas muscle (430 μg/kg) and stomach content (approx. 210 μg/L, absolute 84 μg). The C/P ratio indicates that delorazepam displays susceptibility for post-mortem redistribution (PMR), supported by the findings in muscle tissue. 3-FPM, pyrazolam, diclazepam, lorazepam and lormetazepam did apparently not exhibit any PMR. The cause of death, in conjunction with autopsy findings was concluded as a positional asphyxia promoted by poly-drug intoxication by arising from designer benzodiazepines and the presence of synthetic stimulants.

Die rechtsmedizinische Beurteilung in Fallen von Kindesmisshandlung und -missbrauch findet eine zunehmende Verbreitung. Kern der Beurteilung ist dabei haufig eine Plausibilitatsprufung: Sind die Angaben aus der Vorschichte mit dem festgestellten Verletzungsbild zu vereinbaren? Ein weiterer Aspekt ist der Hinweis auf zu klarende Differenzialdiagnosen (z. B. Hauterkrankungen oder angeborene Erkrankungen des Knochenstoffwechsels). Bei Verdacht auf sexuellen Missbrauch ist in besonderem Mas eine professionelle Herangehensweise geboten. Diese reicht von der angemessenen Durchfuhrung der Untersuchung bis zur verantwortlichen Beurteilung von Befunden. Fehlerhafte Diagnosen (falsch-positiv oder falsch-negativ) konnen bei allen Verdachtsfallen dramatische Auswirkungen fur die Eltern und ihre Kinder haben. Daher ist eine gute Zusammenarbeit mit allen beteiligten Fachdisziplinen innerhalb und auserhalb der Medizin im Sinne der Kinder geboten.

Nicht selten werden Suizide oder Totungsdelikte mittels eines scharfen oder halbscharfen Werkzeugs begangen. Solche Werkzeuge weisen durch Fertigung und Gebrauch individuelle Merkmale auf, die v. a. beim Durchdringen von Knorpelgewebe individualspezifische Spuren hinterlassen konnen, sodass eine zweifelsfreie Zuordnung „Verletzung-Werkzeug“ erfolgen kann. In Kooperation mit dem Dezernat fur Werkzeug- und sonstige Formspuren des Landeskriminalamts Nordrhein-Westfalen (LKA NRW) werden seit April 2012 Werkzeugspuren in Knorpel nach Stich- oder Schnittverletzungen mittels AccuTrans®-Abformmasse (Fa. Coltene Whaledent, Altstatten, Schweiz) im Institut fur Rechtsmedizin Koln sichergestellt. Gemeinsam mit den in Rede stehenden Tatwerkzeugen werden diese zur vergleichenden, werkzeugspurenkundlichen Untersuchung an das LKA NRW ubersandt. In dem laufenden Projekt sind bislang 10 Todesfalle eingeschlossen und abschliesend bearbeitet. Bisher konnte in etwa ein Drittel der Falle ein Tatwerkzeug eindeutig als Verletzungsverursacher identifiziert werden. Die ubrigen Untersuchungen lieferten keine eindeutigen Ergebnisse. Falsche Werkzeugzuordnungen traten nicht auf. Die Abformung der Spuren an Knorpel und ggf. Knochen, z. B. mittels AccuTrans® Abformmasse, und dessen werkzeugspurenkundliche Auswertung stellt ein einfach zu handhabendes Verfahren zum Ausschluss bzw. Nachweis von potenziellen Tatwerkzeugen als Spurenverursacher dar. Bei fehlendem mutmaslichem Tatwerkzeug konnen durch die Analysen nicht zuletzt Aussagen zum verwendeten Werkzeug getroffen werden. Die Kooperation zwischen der Rechtsmedizin und dem LKA NRW ermoglicht die Vermeidung des Transports von Leichengewebe, da die Abformungen am verletzten Leichenknorpel noch auf dem Obduktionstisch erfolgen. Die werkzeugspurenkundlichen Vergleichsuntersuchungen werden dann im LKA durchgefuhrt und gutachterlich bewertet.

This report discusses the case of presumed unusual abuse of an 11-year-old boy with a central African background. The boy presented with deep cuts on the back of both hands which contained traces of chili powder. This unusual injury, which was ostensibly meted out by his mother, was discovered by family friends and finally reported by the children’s hospital emergency unit doctors to the child protection services. During the legal proceedings, the mother denied any responsibility for the crime even though she had initially admitted her actions. The court convicted her of the abuse of a ward in concomitance with aggravated battery. She was sentenced to a term of 1 year and 1 month on probation.

The following clarification to the content of Table 3 (MDMB-CHMICA data from previously published cases of acute (non-fatal) and fatal drug intoxications) of the named manuscript needs to be brought to the readership's attention.

For this study all autopsy reports of non-natural deaths performed at the Institute of Legal Medicine at the University of Cologne from a 10-year period (2008–2017) were examined in regards to the manner of non-natural death and their frequency and distribution of bone injuries (BI). 2026 cases (220 homicides, 421 suicides, 760 accidents, 393 possible suicides, 232 possible accidents) were reviewed. The highest frequency of BI was registered within homicides with 89.1%, second being accidents (79.3%), while suicides and poss. suicides were at 53.4% and 43.3%. Gunshots/explosions split between 52% for suicides and 33.6% for homicides, sharp force was to 56% found within homicides and with 29.8% in suicides. 63.7% of all blunt force was found in the accident category. The highest participation of BI and injuries across all body regions was found with gunshot homicides (100% BI, over every region). Intoxication showed the lowest BI over all with only 19.9% of all cases. Albeit several distinctive patterns were found, e.g. distinction between gunshots in suicides and homicides or high amount of BI in decayed corpses in homicides, a close examination on case by case basis, utilizing the forensic toolkit to its fullest, should always be attempted when examining decomposed or skeletal remains.

Signs of maturity such as weight, length and head circumference are still a measure used to investigate cases of suspected neonaticides as they help to differentiate between newborns born dead or alive. However, limit values for these signs have not changed for a long time. Our study considers whether limit values should have changed and which validity the current ones have. We investigated the cases of 3162 newborns, dividing them into a mature and an immature collective on the basis of the gestational week. Application of these signs of maturity (2500 g, 48 cm, 34 cm) had a high predictive value concerning maturity (>99%), and even applying only one sign of maturity gave a predictive value over 97%. Clinically the mature collective showed a slightly lower rate of ventilation (2% compared to 2.4% for the non-mature collective). Coherences between maternal age/weight and postnatal ventilation could be shown. Coherences with reanimation could not be investigated since the case number was too low. Our results show that, for valid forensic investigation, these numeric signs of maturity have to be supplemented by further investigations and other influencing factors have to be considered. Therefore, clinical instruments such as the Petrussa-Index, clavicule length measuring and foot length measuring must be considered.

The detection of Δ9 -tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), cannabidiol (CBD) and cannabinol (CBN) in hair, for the purpose of identifying cannabis consumption, is conducted in many forensic laboratories. Since external contamination of hair with these cannabis components cannot be excluded, even after hair decontamination, only the detection of THC metabolites such as 11-nor-9-carboxy-Δ9 -tetrahydrocannabinol (THC-COOH) or 11-hydroxy-Δ9 -tetrahydrocannabinol (OH-THC), is considered to prove cannabis consumption. At present, testing for THC metabolites is not standard practice due to its analytical complexity. For these reasons, we developed a novel method for the detection of THC-COOH and OH-THC as well as THC, CBD, and CBN in one single analytical run using gas chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (GC-MS/MS) with electron ionization. After manual hair washing and grinding, sample preparation was fully automated, by means of a robotic autosampler. The hair extraction took place by digestion with sodium hydroxide. A solid-phase extraction (SPE) was chosen for sample clean-up, using a mixed-mode anion exchange sorbent. Derivatization of all analytes was by silylation. The method has been fully validated according to guidelines of the Society of Toxicological and Forensic Chemistry (GTFCh), with a limit of detection (LOD) of 0.2 pg/mg for THC-COOH and OH-THC and 2 pg/mg for THC, CBD and CBN, respectively, thus fulfilling the Society of Hair Testing (SoHT) recommendations. The validated method has been successfully applied to our routine forensic case work and a summary of data from authentic hair samples is given, as well as data from proficiency tests.