Autopsy Findings in Strangulation, Hanging & Drowning
Autopsy Findings
Strangulation:
v CCP (Congestion, Cyanosis, Petechial Hemorrhages)
v Protrusion of tongue
v Thyroid cartilage / Hyoid bone fracture is more common
v Ligature mark is horizontal, continuous, usually below or at the level of thyroid cartilage
v No dribbling from mouth
v Bleeding from nose, mouth, ear is common
v Injury to neck muscles common
Manual Strangulation
v Hyoid Bone Fracture (50-60% cases): Adduction Fracture/ inward compression fracture
v Neck Abrasions: Semi-lunar (due to Nails) and coin shaped (due to finger tips)
Hanging:
v CCP (Congestion, Cyanosis, Petechial Hemorrhages)
v Ligature mark is mostly above or at the level of thyroid cartilage
v Blood colored froth from nostrils
v Dribbling from mouth with stains of saliva over chin or chest
v Le facie sympathique ( the ligature knot presses on cervical sympathetic ganglia, eye on same side remains open and its pupil dilated, it indicates antemortem hanging.)
v Glove & stock pattern of post mortem lividity if body remains suspended for extended time period with cyanosis, voiding of urine / stool / seminal fluid.
v Carotid arteries may be injured
v Hyoid bone may be fractured: involves greater horn of hyoid bone, antero-posterior compression fracture or abduction fracture
Drowning:
v Fine copious persistent white froth from mouth nostrils and air passages that will increase on chest pressure
v Weed, grass, mud in tight hands
v Water in stomach, intestine and middle ear
v Washer woman hands
v Diatoms in brain and bone marrow (Most important finding in ante-mortem drowning)