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Show detailsDefinition/Introduction
Algor mortis is translated from Latin as “cold death” and describes the postmortem temperature change after someone has died. After death, individuals no longer produce body heat or cooling mechanisms and the decedent temperature slowly approaches ambient temperature. This variable is based on the assumption that body temperature was normal at the time of death and includes both temperatures above and below normal living body temperature, 98.7 F. Rectal temperatures are commonly used as the standard to determine the decedent temperature and algor mortis.[1]
Issues of Concern
Algor mortis has been used as a tool to estimate the postmortem interval between death and the discovery of an individual who has died. This is especially important in medicolegal and forensic death investigations. However, numerous variables affect the rate and direction of algor mortis and complicate its use in estimating time of death.
Studies have shown that the body mass index influences cooling rates, but only 36% of cases were in a linear progression over time even in a controlled ambient temperature.[2] Temperature changes of the decedent are also influenced by ambient temperature changes, climate, clothing, and exposure to water. Formulas are in development to determine the postmortem interval more accurately for medicolegal investigations. There are complex algorithms that take many variables to determine postmortem interval. Development of faster formulas based on the level of decomposition, humidity, and temperature (algor mortis) would have a significant impact on investigations. Some of these formulas become less accurate at higher temperatures and significantly overestimate, and cold temperatures significantly underestimate the postmortem interval.[3] Climate variables besides ambient temperature significantly influence decedent algor mortis and decomposition rate. In some studies, developed equations for estimation of postmortem interval were 10% correct in indoor death scenes at one location and 60% at another.[4]
Clinical Significance
Determination of algor mortis changes alone is not sufficient in determining postmortem interval. However, it remains an important variable in defining equations and formulas to estimate time of death in medicolegal death investigations.
References
- 1.
- Igari Y, Hosokai Y, Funayama M. Rectal temperature-based death time estimation in infants. Leg Med (Tokyo). 2016 Mar;19:35-42. [PubMed: 26980252]
- 2.
- Wardak KS, Cina SJ. Algor mortis: an erroneous measurement following postmortem refrigeration. J Forensic Sci. 2011 Sep;56(5):1219-21. [PubMed: 21644987]
- 3.
- Cockle DL, Bell LS. Human decomposition and the reliability of a 'Universal' model for post mortem interval estimations. Forensic Sci Int. 2015 Aug;253:136.e1-9. [PubMed: 26092190]
- 4.
- Maile AE, Inoue CG, Barksdale LE, Carter DO. Toward a universal equation to estimate postmortem interval. Forensic Sci Int. 2017 Mar;272:150-153. [PubMed: 28183035]
Disclosure: Rina Eden declares no relevant financial relationships with ineligible companies.
Disclosure: Brooke Thomas declares no relevant financial relationships with ineligible companies.
- PubMedLinks to PubMed
- Algor mortis: an erroneous measurement following postmortem refrigeration.[J Forensic Sci. 2011]Algor mortis: an erroneous measurement following postmortem refrigeration.Wardak KS, Cina SJ. J Forensic Sci. 2011 Sep; 56(5):1219-21. Epub 2011 Jun 3.
- [Finite element modeling of postmortem hyperthermia in the absence of internal heat sources].[Sud Med Ekspert. 2022][Finite element modeling of postmortem hyperthermia in the absence of internal heat sources].Nedugov GV. Sud Med Ekspert. 2022; 65(4):32-35.
- Ultrasound Elastographic Measurement of Rigor Mortis in an Animal Model: A Feasibility Study for Improved Time-of-Death Estimates in Forensic Investigations.[AJR Am J Roentgenol. 2021]Ultrasound Elastographic Measurement of Rigor Mortis in an Animal Model: A Feasibility Study for Improved Time-of-Death Estimates in Forensic Investigations.Kliewer MA, Mao L, Weigman BJ, Walker DC, Gettle LM, Corliss RF. AJR Am J Roentgenol. 2021 Apr; 216(4):1126-1133. Epub 2021 Feb 24.
- Review Postmortem Changes in Animal Carcasses and Estimation of the Postmortem Interval.[Vet Pathol. 2016]Review Postmortem Changes in Animal Carcasses and Estimation of the Postmortem Interval.Brooks JW. Vet Pathol. 2016 Sep; 53(5):929-40. Epub 2016 Mar 4.
- Review Postmortem imaging: MDCT features of postmortem change and decomposition.[Am J Forensic Med Pathol. 2010]Review Postmortem imaging: MDCT features of postmortem change and decomposition.Levy AD, Harcke HT, Mallak CT. Am J Forensic Med Pathol. 2010 Mar; 31(1):12-7.
- Algor Mortis - StatPearlsAlgor Mortis - StatPearls
- Methods of Estimation of Time Since Death - StatPearlsMethods of Estimation of Time Since Death - StatPearls
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