Pattern of external and internal findings in deaths owing to hanging—a study in northeast Delhi

Abstract

Background: Hanging is a common form of asphyxial deaths. A complete profile of findings is helpful in making exact diagnosis of hanging and differentiating it from strangulation. Objective: To assess the complete profile of findings in deaths owing to hanging. Materials and Methods: A total of 101 cases of hanging were examined during autopsy. The details about the victims with regard to the age, sex, and type of ligature material and autopsy findings were noted. The data thus obtained were analyzed for the study. Result: A total of 101 cases of hanging were studied during November 2009 to February 2011, of which 43.56% of cases were in the age group of 21–30 years, and 68.31% were male subjects, single mark was seen in 95.04% cases, incomplete ligature was found in 99% cases, chunni was the commonest (37.70%) ligature material used, the knot was on the right side of neck in 45.60% of cases, and fixed knot was found in 68.85% of cases. Fracture of hyoid bone was found in 5.94% of cases, and that of thyroid cartilage was found in 4.95% of cases; salivary stains were found in 66.33% of cases; petechial hemorrhages were found in 11.88% of cases on external body surface and in 87.12% cases in internal body organs. Congestion of internal body organs were found in 96.03% of cases. Conclusion: In our study, findings in the cases of hanging varied and were found in many combinations. A correct interpretation of such findings and meticulous postmortem examination is necessary to make a confirmatory diagnosis of death owing to hanging.