Journal of Forensic Research

A Typical Kronlein Shot? A Rare Case of Submental-Facio-Cranial Bullet Trajectory with Brain Exenteration

Abstract

Luv Sharma and Tarun Dagar

The "Krönlein" shot (evisceration of the brain) is a very rare injury of the skull caused by a high-velocity bullet. This type of low-range shot wound involves is a broad opening of the skull with laceration of the dura mater. In the past, several cases of this particular injury have been reported and all led to immediate death. R U Kronlein first described this phenomenon in 1889. Since then, this unique firearm wound and its mechanics have been discussed from time to time. The authors present an atypical presentation of Kronlein shot, wherein the entry wound was situated on the submandibular triangle instead of the typical head region. The bullet track was through the floor of mouth, further on to enter the cranial cavity to cause a blowout fracture defect with the brain being eviscerated out of the skull.