Journal Published Online: 05 January 2005
Volume 50, Issue 2

Postmortem Non-Invasive Virtual Autopsy: Death by Hanging in a Car

CODEN: JFSCAS

Abstract

A body was found behind a car with a noose tied around its neck, the other end of the rope tied to a tree. Apparently the man committed suicide by driving away with the noose tied around his neck and was dragged out of the car through the open hatchback. postmortem multislice-computed tomography (MSCT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) indicated that the cause of death was cerebral hypoxia due to classic strangulation by hanging, and not due to a brainstem lesion because of a hang-man fracture as would be expected in such a dynamic situation. Furthermore, the MRI displayed intramuscular haemorrhage, bleeding into the clavicular insertions of the sternocleidomastoid muscles and subcutaneous neck tissue. We conclude that MSCT and MRI are useful instruments with an increased value compared with 2D radiographs to augment the external findings of bodies when an autopsy is refused. But further postmortem research and comparing validation is needed.

Author Information

Bolliger, S
Institute of Forensic Medicine, University of Berne, 3012 Bern, Switzerland
Thali, M
Institute of Forensic Medicine, University of Berne, 3012 Bern, Switzerland
Jackowski, C
Institute of Forensic Medicine, University of Berne, 3012 Bern, Switzerland
Aghayev, E
Institute of Forensic Medicine, University of Berne, 3012 Bern, Switzerland
Dirnhofer, R
Institute of Forensic Medicine, University of Berne, 3012 Bern, Switzerland
Sonnenschein, M
University of Bern, 3010 Bern, Switzerland
Pages: 6
Price: $25.00
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Stock #: JFS2004070
ISSN: 0022-1198
DOI: 10.1520/JFS2004070