Indian Internet Journal of Forensic Medicine & Toxicology
  • Year: 2013
  • Volume: 11
  • Issue: 3

Retained fetal bones in the uterus emerging as the cause of suicide: A case report

  • Author:
  • Suraj Ohal1, Monisha Pradhan2,, Anju Rani3, Ashish Bhute4, C Behera5
  • Total Page Count: 3
  • Published Online: Sep 1, 2013
  • Page Number: 79 to 81

1Department of Forensic Medicine and Toxicology, Maulana Azad Medical College, New Delhi, Indiadr.suraj.ohal@gmail.com;

2Department of Forensic Medicine and Toxicology, Maulana Azad Medical College, New Delhi, India

3Department of Forensic Medicine and Toxicology, Maulana Azad Medical College, New Delhi, India. anjurani15@gmail.com;

4Department of Forensic Medicine and Toxicology, Maulana Azad Medical College, New Delhi, India. ashish_bhute@yahoo.com;

5Department of Forensic Medicine and Toxicology, AIIMS, New Delhi, India. drchitta75@yahoo.co.in

*E-mail id: *monishapr@yahoo.com;

Abstract

Retained fetal bones in the uterus post abortion may result in long-standing unexplained secondary infertility. We report a case of suicide of a 33-year-old woman by self-immolation. Pieces of retained fetal bones and cartilages were found unexpectedly at autopsy in the uterine cavity. The bones had been retained in the uterus for 4 years after an elective abortion. Since then she had been unable to conceive and was being treated for secondary infertility. The distress caused by the infertility lead her to commit suicide. We have discussed the incidence, aetiology, pathology and complications of this rare cause of infertility.

Keywords

Forensic medicine, Forensic pathology, Fetal bones, Retention, Secondary infertility, Suicide