CONTACT US: Contact info
|
Citation |
Lo Pinto S, Tacchella T, Fossati F, Bonsignore A, Ventura F. J. Forensic Sci. 2016; 62(2): 528-530. |
|
Affiliation |
Department of Legal and Forensic Medicine, University of Genova, Via De Toni 12, Genova, 16132, Italy. |
|
Copyright |
(Copyright © 2016, American Society for Testing and Materials, Publisher John Wiley and Sons) |
|
DOI |
|
PMID |
27859329 |
|
Abstract |
Suicide by asphyxia is quite a common event in forensic practice and may be implemented in different ways. The authors report a unique case of a 16-year-old youth who committed suicide by means of a standard mercury sphygmomanometer. This manner of suicide has never been described in the literature reviewed. A complete forensic investigation led to the conclusion that the cause of death was mechanical asphyxia, ascribed to self-strangulation by means of an atypical item. The victim suffered from attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) syndrome and was assisted by support teachers. He had a solitary and depressive personality. The exceptional nature of this case suggests that sphygmomanometers may be regarded as possible means of self-strangulation. The case also highlights the importance of managing patients with psychiatric or cognitive disorders; indeed, particular caution is required to keep them away from objects that, although apparently harmless, can become lethal. Language: en |