Citation

Giesecke J, Dreßler J, Bernhard M, Ondruschka B. Rechtsmedizin 2017; 27(6): 536-541.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2017, Holtzbrinck Springer Nature Publishing Group)

DOI

10.1007/s00194-017-0171-0

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

Deaths associated with dry ice are rare. After a change of its aggregate state from solid to gaseous form (sublimation), CO2 accumulates on the ground in closed rooms and inspiration of high concentrations leads to respiratory distress and a potentially fatal outcome. We report the death of a 25-year-old man, who was found with signs of putrefaction after an order of 30 kg of dry ice. After autopsy, the cause of death was classified as suicidal CO2 intoxication, which is already reported in suicide internet fora. If the crime scene investigation failed to demonstrate a possible influence of dry ice on the manner of death, the diagnosis would be nearly impossible, because neither autopsy findings nor toxicological analyzes can provide evidence in such cases. The present article aims to familiarize all doctors who perform postmortem examinations with the known hazards of dry ice and sensitize them for such investigations. © 2017, Springer Medizin Verlag Berlin.

Language: de

Keywords

Accident; Carbon dioxide; Intoxication; Sublimation; Suicide