Michael Jackson Was Very Thin, Sickly Before Death, Autopsy Finds
Following the filing Monday of an [article id="1631505"]involuntary-manslaughter charge against Conrad Murray[/article] in connection with the death of Michael Jackson, the Los Angeles County Coroner's office released its full autopsy report on the King of Pop, according to multiple reports.
The coroner concluded that Jackson died of [article id="1619831"]"acute propofol intoxication"[/article] after Murray administered a dose of the powerful anesthetic sufficient for "major surgery." Murray was using the drug to ease Jackson's insomnia, but an expert cited in the autopsy said there were no reports about the use of propofol in insomnia relief. At no point was recommended equipment -- from a controlled infusion pump for intravenous administration to monitoring machines -- present in Jackson's home when Murray gave the singer the tranquilizer.
The report also contained detailed information about the state of Jackson's body after his death at age 50. At the time of the autopsy, he weighed 136 pounds, was measured at 5-foot-9 in length and was described as "extremely underweight for his frame."
White patches of skin, the result of a pigmentation disorder called vitiligo, were present on his body, particularly his chest, abdomen, face and arms. The autopsy noted "frontal balding" on Jackson's head and a bandage on the tip of his nose. He had dark tattoos close to each eyebrow and one pink tattoo close to his lips. His body was covered with small scars on his nose, knee, shoulder, neck and wrists.
The report concluded that at the time of his death, Jackson was suffering from "chronic lung inflammation, respiratory bronchiolitis, diffuse congestion and patchy hemorrhage of right and left lungs." In addition to propofol, the autopsy discovered Jackson's blood contained traces of lidocaine, diazepam, nordiazepam, lorazepam, midazolam and ephedrine.
During an arraignment hearing Monday, [article id="1631527"]Murray pleaded not guilty[/article] to involuntary manslaughter. If convicted, he faces up to [article id="1631510"]four years in prison[/article].
