Bone marrow cytology as an adjunct tool for post-mortem interval estimation

Introduction Estimating the post-mortem interval (PMI) remains challenging, particularly when external indicators are unreliable. Sternal bone marrow may provide a relatively stable substrate for PMI assessment. Methods This observational autopsy-based study evaluated sternal bone marrow from 105 medico-legal autopsy cases with known PMI. Giemsa-stained aspirates were graded (1-5) for nuclear and cytoplasmic autolytic changes and grouped into five PMI intervals (<9 h to >27 h). Results A highly significant association was observed between PMI and cellular degradation ( p < 0.001). Early intervals showed preserved morphology, intermediate intervals showed nuclear budding and vacuolation, and advanced intervals demonstrated nuclear fragmentation, debris, and structural loss. Discussion Sternal bone marrow cytology demonstrates a significant time-dependent association with PMI and may serve as a low-cost complementary tool during the early to intermediate post-mortem period. Further studies are required to establish its predictive accuracy and reproducibility.