Correlation of Circumstances with Pathological Findings in Asphyxial Deaths by Hanging: A Prospective Study of 61 Cases From Seattle, WA

Correlations of the circumstances of death with the pathologic findings in this prospective study of deaths by hanging affords insights pertaining to certain of the pathophysiologic mechanisms involved in fatalities of this type. The presence of conjunctival & facial periorbital petechial hemorrhages correlates with increasing levels of body support below the point of ligature suspension. Hyoid bone & or thyroid fractures are most frequently identified in those completely suspended. (7 ref.)