�ber die Obduktionsbefunde bei Selbstmord durch Erh�ngen

Characterization of haemorrhages at the origin of the sternocleidomastoid muscles in hanging

“…By analysis of the available data in cases of bilateral asymmetrical as well as unilateral haemorrhaging (Table 1), it can be shown that these findings occur significantly more often or intensively on the side of the highest point of the ligature mark (p < 0.001, zZ-Test). This supports the hypothesis of extension as the causative mechanism [8,16], since it must be assumed that the soft tissues of the neck are subjected to a higher degree of extensional stress on the side of the highest point of the ligature position than on the opposite side. Cases with the highest point of the ligature located in the facial region ( Fig.…”

“…Other authors [2,7,10] observed haemorrhages in the clavicular region of the sternocleidomastoid muscle in 30-54% of autopsies of hanged persons, although it should be noted that this data was collected in retrospective studies. Haemorrhages after hanging were discovered in 76% [8] and 79% [6] of cases respectively in prospective studies. It can be said in conjunction with the available data that these haemorrhages are the most common finding in the cervical region in cases of fatal hanging.…”

“…Systematic histological examinations pertaining to the site of the haemorrhages have not been carried out to date. As the mechanical stress at the clavicular origin due to neck W. Keil (N~) • A. Forster -H. J. Meyer -O. Peschel Institut ftir Rechtsmedizin der Ludwig Maximilians Universit~it, Frauenlobstrasse 7 a, D-80337 Mt~nchen, Germany extension seems to be the main factor in the development of haemorrhages [8,16], it appears plausible that the intensity of the findings is associated with the localisation of the highest point of the ligature mark. Furthermore, the questions arise as to whether haemorrhages can be observed in other causes of death [17] or whether these findings can be caused by resuscitation attempts.…”

“…The findings are usually classified as haermorrhages at the point of origin, often falsely called insertion point haemorrhages, without their exact localisation being described. A small number of authors [5,8,16] found that, based on macroscopical findings, the haemorrhages could be found in the region of the clavicular periost. Systematic histological examinations pertaining to the site of the haemorrhages have not been carried out to date.…”

Injuries due to Asphyxiation and Drowning

“…Occasionally, victims are also found in other positions, including sitting, crouching, kneeling or lying down. In approximately 70% of all suicides by hanging, the body has direct contact of some kind with the surface below (Laiho et al 1968). This very common position is known as 'atypical hanging' (Merkel and Walcher 1951).…”