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To link to full-text access for this article, visit this link: http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.forsciint.2008.09.017 Byline: Fatma Gloulou, Mohamed Allouche, Mehdi Ben Khelil, Olfa Bekir, Ahmed Banasr, Mongi Zhioua, Moncef Hamdoun Keywords: Forensic science; Suicide; Band saw; Power tools; Schizophrenia Abstract: Suicides or suicide attempts with power saws (band, circular or chain saws) are rather rare events and only a few case reports exist in the forensic literature. The use of a band saw, in particular, has been extremely rare in cases of suicide. We report two cases of suicide that occurred in the same suburban area, three years apart. In each case, the victim was a carpenter and had a history of psychiatric disorder and/or of prior suicide attempts. We summarize the findings of the death scene investigations, the pertinent autopsy findings, and also summarize the world literature pertaining to suicide committed with power saws. Author Affiliation: Service de Medecine Legale de Tunis, HA[acute accent]pital Charles Nicolle, 138 Boulevard du 9 avril 1938, Tunis 1006, Tunisia Article History: Received 5 June 2007; Accepted 23 September 2008

Post-traumatic anterior pituitary insufficiency (PTAPI) is a rare but established disease caused by ischemic lesions after severe cranial trauma. This case study aims to highlight the criteria for imputability of PTAPI to a cranial trauma as well as the specific principles of legal redress in relation to this disease. We conducted a forensic study of a patient with diagnosed PTAPI followed up in the Division of Endocrinology and Legal Medicine at the University Hospital, Sousse (Tunisia). The patient included in the study was a 45-year old woman with no particular past medical history. (6 gynaecological procedures, 4 parities and 2 abortions) having regular menstrual cycles, without a history of hemorrhagic childbirth, who had been involved in a road accident (pedestrian got hit by a car) causing occipital trauma without initial knowledge loss. She developed hypothyroidism three years after the accident. The hormonal assessment showed the involvement of all the other axes. Neuroradiological examination objectified pituitary gland and pituitary stalk integrity. The definitive diagnosis of PTAPI was made. Medical examination (performed 4 years after the accident) concluded that PTAPI was imputable to the accident. Permanent partial disability rate according to ordinary law has been assessed at 25%. PTAPI diagnosis is made by elimination. The evaluation of physical injury should be based on residual symptoms, on therapeutic constraints and on its impact on daily and professional activity. Patient's evolution under hormone replacement therapy is often favorable, however, complications may occur, hence the necessity to establish these complications in order to preserve the right of the patient to underwent new treatments.