Premium
Pneumomediastinum and Soft Tissue Emphysema in Pediatric Hanging
Author(s) -
SieswerdaHoogendoorn Tessa,
Strik Anne S.,
Hilgersom Nick F. J.,
SoerdjbalieMaikoe Vidija,
Rijn Rick R.
Publication year - 2014
Publication title -
journal of forensic sciences
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.715
H-Index - 96
eISSN - 1556-4029
pISSN - 0022-1198
DOI - 10.1111/1556-4029.12315
Subject(s) - pneumomediastinum , autopsy , forensic pathology , medicine , soft tissue , postmortem changes , postmortem studies , radiology , pathology , pneumothorax
Postmortem computed tomography ( CT ) is increasingly being used as a tool in forensic pathology. The exact value of postmortem imaging in detecting specific conditions has not yet been established, but in specific cases, it can be used as a diagnostic tool demonstrating findings that remain undetected during autopsy, as in this case. Pneumomediastinum and soft tissue emphysema were detected with postmortem CT in a 3‐year‐old girl after hanging. It was not found during autopsy. This radiological finding matches 3 adult cases previously described. It is assumed that in this case, the first reported in a child, hanging was the most likely cause as well. In the adult cases, it was interpreted as a vital sign; the person must have been alive to create a pressure gradient causing rupture of the alveoli. This case demonstrates one of the added values of postmortem imaging, the possibility of demonstrating findings that remain undetected during autopsy.