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Difference between revisions of "Asphyxial deaths"
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==Hanging== | |||
Classic: | |||
*V-shaped furrow on the neck. | |||
*V "open" at the point of suspension. | |||
==Drowning== | |||
Classic: | |||
*Autopsy is often negative, i.e. there is no anatomical cause of death. | |||
Drowning is difficult to prove on autopsy.<ref name=pmid16378701>{{cite journal |author=Piette MH, De Letter EA |title=Drowning: still a difficult autopsy diagnosis |journal=Forensic Sci. Int. |volume=163 |issue=1-2 |pages=1–9 |year=2006 |month=November |pmid=16378701 |doi=10.1016/j.forsciint.2004.10.027 |url=}}</ref> The diagnosis is often based on circumstance, i.e. the scene. | |||
===Macroscopic=== | |||
External: | |||
*Plume of froth at the mouth/nostrils (fresh drowning only).<ref name=pmid16378701/> | |||
Internal: | |||
*Lung emphysema. | |||
*Froth in the trachea. | |||
*Patlauf spots<ref name=pmid12134758>{{cite journal |author=Bohnert M, Ropohl D, Pollak S |title=[Forensic medicine significance of the fluid content of the sphenoid sinuses] |language=German |journal=Arch Kriminol |volume=209 |issue=5-6 |pages=158–64 |year=2002 |pmid=12134758 |doi= |url=}}</ref> -- ??? | |||
===Micro/Lab=== | |||
There are a few tests of debated value:<ref name=pmid16378701/> | |||
*Diffusion of particulates into the blood (left ventricle) from the water. | |||
**Diatom test. | |||
*Haemodilution. | |||
**Mostly useless - CPR interferes with it, not reliable if there putrefaction or autolysis. | |||
*Transport of aveolar element into blood circulation. | |||
==Carbon monoxide== | |||
Carbon monoxide (CO) is a common way to commit suicide. | |||
Pathophysiology: | |||
*CO binds to haemoglobin -- prevents oxygen from binding there. | |||
Findings: | |||
*Salmon pink skin. | |||
*CO level (blood test) elevated (???). | |||
==Manual strangulation== | |||
Features:<ref name=Ref_HoFP>{{Ref HoFP|155}}</ref> | |||
*Petechiac of sclerae (white part of eye) & conjunctivae (cover sclerae); present ~ 90% of the time. | |||
*Hyoid bone fracture. | |||
*Thyroid cartilage fracture. | |||
*Haemorrhage in strap muscles of the neck. | |||
==See also== | ==See also== | ||