EMB Fluid Accumulation and Gases that Cause Distension

Anasarca

generalized edema in subcutaneous tissue.

Hydrothorax

abnormal accumulation of fluid in the thoracic cavity

Hydropericardium

abnormal accumulation of fluid within the pericardial sac

Hydrocephalus

abnormal accumulation of cerebrospinal fluid in the ventricles of the brain.

Hydrocele

abnormal accumulation of fluids in the scrotal sac.

Edema

abnormal accumulation of fluids in tissues or body cavities.

Pitting edema

condition in which interstitial spaces contain such excessive amounts of fluid that the skin remains depressed after palpation.

Air from embalming apparatus

Source: Air injected by embalming machine (air pressure machines and hand pumps are in limited use today)

Characteristics: First evidence in eyelids; no odors; no skin-slip amount depends on injection time

Treatment: If distension is present, channeling after arterial injection to release gases

Decomposition

Source: Bacterial breakdown of body tissues; autolytic breakdown of body tissues

Characteristics: Possible odor; skin=slip in time; color changes; purging

Treatment: Arterial injection of sufficient amount of the appropriate strong chemical; hypodermic and surface treatments; channeling to release gases.

Gas gangrene

Source: Anaerobic bacteria, C. perfringens

Characteristics: Foul odor, infection

Treatment: Strong arterial solutions; local hypodermic injection of cavity chemical

True Tissue Gas

Source: Anaerobic bacteria (gas gangrene) C. perfringens

Characteristics: Very strong odor of decomposition; skin=slip; skin blebs; increase in intensity and amount of gas; possible transfer of spore=forming bacterium via cutting instruments to other bodies

Treatment: Special "tissue gas" arterial solutions; localized hypodermic injection of cavity fluid; channeling of tissues to release gases

Subcutaneous emphysema

Source: Puncture of lung or pleural sac; seen after CPR; puncture wounds to thorax; rib fractures; tracheotomy

Characteristics: No odor; no skin-slip; no blebs; gas can reach distal points even toes; can create intense swelling; raises to the highest body areas

Treatment: Gas escapes through incisions; establishment of good arterial preservation; channeling of tissues alter arterial injection to release gases