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| | == Autopsy == | | == Autopsy == |
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| − | The State and Schiavo's estranged husband refused to allow an independent [[autopsy]], and Schiavo was cremated after her death. The State did perform its own autopsy and reported these result that lack independent verification:<ref>http://www.aapsonline.org/nod/newsofday186.htm</ref> <ref>http://fl1.findlaw.com/news.findlaw.com/hdocs/docs/schiavo/61305autopsyrpt.pdf</ref> | + | The State and Schiavo's estranged husband refused to allow an independent autopsy, and Schiavo was cremated after her death. The State did perform its own autopsy and reported these result that lack independent verification:<ref>http://www.aapsonline.org/nod/newsofday186.htm</ref> <ref>http://fl1.findlaw.com/news.findlaw.com/hdocs/docs/schiavo/61305autopsyrpt.pdf</ref> |
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| − | # [[“Neuropathologic]] examination alone of the decedent’s brain—or any brain, for that matter—cannot prove or disprove a diagnosis of persistent vegetative state.” | + | # “Neuropathologic examination alone of the decedent’s brain—or any brain, for that matter—cannot prove or disprove a diagnosis of persistent vegetative state.” |
| − | # The changes in the [[cortex]] were most severe in the [[occipital lobes]], “with relative preservation of the frontal and temporal lobes.” | + | # The changes in the cortex were most severe in the occipital lobes, “with relative preservation of the frontal and temporal lobes.” |
| − | # Oral feedings, based on autopsy findings and past medical records, were “potentially harmful or, at least, extremely dangerous to Mrs. Schiavo’s health and welfare” because of the risk of [[aspiration]]. | + | # Oral feedings, based on autopsy findings and past medical records, were “potentially harmful or, at least, extremely dangerous to Mrs. Schiavo’s health and welfare” because of the risk of aspiration. |
| − | # The only evidence for an [[eating disorder]] was the initial low serum potassium, which could have resulted from the fluid load and epinephrine administered during her resuscitation. | + | # The only evidence for an eating disorder was the initial low serum potassium, which could have resulted from the fluid load and epinephrine administered during her resuscitation. |
| | # The autopsy showed no signs of remote trauma to neck structures, but with 15 years delay, “even bony anomalies would have likely resolved.” External signs of trauma should have been apparent on her hospital admission just after her collapse. “Subtle trauma related to commotio cordis or nontraumatic asphyxia is also possible,” as are “drugs/toxins not typically detected by hospital toxicologic screening.” | | # The autopsy showed no signs of remote trauma to neck structures, but with 15 years delay, “even bony anomalies would have likely resolved.” External signs of trauma should have been apparent on her hospital admission just after her collapse. “Subtle trauma related to commotio cordis or nontraumatic asphyxia is also possible,” as are “drugs/toxins not typically detected by hospital toxicologic screening.” |
| | # Severe, irreversible brain damage that left that organ discolored and scarred, shriveled to half its normal size, and damaged in nearly all its regions, including the one responsible for vision. | | # Severe, irreversible brain damage that left that organ discolored and scarred, shriveled to half its normal size, and damaged in nearly all its regions, including the one responsible for vision. |