Computed tomography findings of asphyxial suicide by the inhalation of helium inside a plastic bag

Abstract

A 20-year-old man was found by his family in a state of cardiac arrest. His face was covered with a plastic bag connected to a helium tank through a hose. Although advanced cardiac life support was performed, resuscitation attempts were unsuccessful. Computed tomography from his head to pelvis demonstrated diffuse brain swelling and lung edema. The massive inspiration of pure helium gas and/or hypoxia appeared to have induced lung edema by breaching the blood gas barrier in the lung.