ISSN: 0022-1198
CODEN: JFSCA
Published Online: 1 October 1979
Page Count: 3

Histologic Diagnosis of Sodomy
Paparo, GP
Pathologist-medical examiner and consultant forensic pathologist, Office of the Medical Examiner, Westchester County, N.Y.

Siegel, H
Pathologist-medical examiner and consultant forensic pathologist, Office of the Medical Examiner, Westchester County, N.Y.

(Received 9 February 1979; accepted 13 April 1979)

Abstract

In cases of death in which sodomy is suspected, careful examination of the anorectal area for trauma and the collection of a proper specimen for the detection of spermatozoa and the demonstration of elevated acid phosphatase (AP) activity are required. Whereas trauma in the anal region may be suggestive of sodomy, the presence of intact spermatozoa within the anorectal canal offers incontrovertible proof. Tests for elevated rectal AP activity in our experience, like that of Enos and Beyer [], have been disappointing.

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Paper ID: JFS10906J
DOI: 10.1520/JFS10906J
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