Abstract: Objective To discuss the influencing factors of using late postmortem phenomena to estimate PMI and to provide experience for an accurate estimation. Methods Forty-nine corpses of late postmortem were collected in Shaoxing City, Zhuji area from 2004 to 2011. The related factors were analyzed including season, scene, estimated PMI, exact PMI, cause of death and main factors effected PMI, etc. Results Of all 49 cases, 20 corpses were outdoor, 11 were indoor and 18 were in water. Thirty-seven cases were successful to estimate PMI and 12 cases were unsuccessful. The main factors affected PMI were infection, poisoning, human destruction and high-pressure electric shock, etc. Conclusion In general, PMI can be correctly estimated by late postmortem phenomenon. When the cases included infection, poisoning and human destruction, we should estimate PMI with the comprehensive analysis.

Key words: forensic pathology, postmortem changes, postmortem interval