Hypothermia

The chapter discusses forensic investigation in hypothermia victims. Pathophysiology and epidemiology are presented, including frequent concomitant conditions like intoxication. Standard imaging procedures including radiography, computed tomography, as well as magnetic resonance imaging, ultrasound, and thermography are presented, as well as possible new research and investigation modalities are discussed. Classical findings in postmortem examination are presented, and radiological signs of hypothermia are critically reviewed, with special focus on computed tomography, as the most widely used modality. Special issues are discussed including high-altitude deaths, examination of avalanche victims, differential diagnosis between immersion hypothermia and drowning, as well as examination of frozen and decomposed bodies.