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Self‐Induced Fatal Air Embolism: Accidental Autoerotic Death or Suicide?
Author(s) -
Modelli Manoel E. S.,
Rodrigues Maciel S.,
Castro Bruno Z. M.,
Corrêa Rodrigo S.
Publication year - 2013
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/j.1556-4029.2012.02302.x
Subject(s) - air embolism , medicine , accidental , poison control , asphyxia , anesthesia , glans , penis , glans penis , surgery , medical emergency , physics , acoustics , complication
Autoeroticism comprises behavior deviations aimed at producing sexual gratification through the manipulation of one's own body. The use of asphyxia and the induction of pain (masochism) are well‐known examples. “ A typical forms” of such behaviors have appeared in the literature as isolated cases. Fatal air embolism is most common in women (causing abortion), being very rare in men (urethral trauma). The authors present a probable case of air embolism associated with signs of autoeroticism, instrumented by the delivery of air through a system formed by a compressor (typical of those used in refrigerators), a syringe barrel, a segment of latex tubing (tourniquet), and a needle, which was found inserted into the glans penis of an adult male. The hypothesis of accidental death was chosen due to the findings at the scene. The body was decomposing when found, which hampered the conduction of examinations.