Hanging Deaths: A Retrospective Study Regarding 260 Cases. (September 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Russo, Maria Cristina; Verzeletti, Andrea; Piras, Mauro; De Ferrari, Francesco
• Is Part Of: American journal of forensic medicine & pathology. Volume 37:Number 3(2016)
• Publication Date: 2016-09
• Subjects: hanging -- suicide -- asphyxial death -- pathological findings -- neck injuries; Medical jurisprudence -- Periodicals; Forensic pathology -- Periodicals; 614.105
• DOI: 10.1097/PAF.0000000000000239
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0195-7910

Abstract

Abstract : Abstract: Hanging is a form of asphyxia caused by external pressure on the upper airways deriving from a band tightened by the gravitational weight of the body. During a 33-year period from 1983 to 2015, there were 260 hanging deaths examined at the Brescia Institute of Forensic Medicine (Northern Italy), which represented approximately 40% of all the asphyxial deaths recorded during this period. Almost all of the cases were represented by suicidal events, 1 case was a homicide event and there also was a case of sexual asphyxia. Eighty-two percent of the victims were men; 18% were women. There was an increasing tendency in the ages between 20 and 60 years, and the highest number of cases was observed in the 41- to 50-year age group (23% of the cases). The most common place chosen by the victim was the home setting followed by isolated outdoor places. The most common ligature material was a rope. The pathological findings were evaluated in all cases.