HANGING IN HISTOPATHOLOGY BY STEPHEN ANTO.pptx

HANGING IN HISTOPATHOLOGY BY STEPHEN ANTO

1. HANGING DEPARTMENT OF FORENSIC SCIENCE ,NIGERIAN POLICE ACADEMY,WUDIL,KANO STATE. CADET ASP ANTO STEPHEN. ON INDUSTRIAL ATTACHMENT AT DEPARTMENT OF HISTOPATHOLOGY,FEDERAL TEACHING HOSPITAL,GOMBE,GOMBE STATE. JANUARY 13, 2025

2. CONTENT DEFINITION TYPES OF HANGING PATHOPHYSIOLOGY OF HANGING/MECHANISM FORENSIC FEATURES OF HANGING MEDICAL INVESTIGATION DIFFERENCE BETWEEN SUICIDE,HOMICIDE AND ACCIDENTAL HANGING DIFFERENCE BETWEEN TRUE SUICIDAL HANGING AND HANGING OF A BODY ALREADY DEAD FACTORS INFLUENCING FORENSIC INVESTIGATION LEGAL AND ETHICAL CONSIDERATIONS CONCLUSION

3. DEFINITION Hanging is a form of asphyxia caused by suspension of the body, typically by a ligature around the neck, with the weight of the body (or part of it) acting as the constricting force. It is a critical topic in forensic and medical investigations, given its association with suicide, homicide, and accidental deaths. This detailed topic explores the medical and forensic aspects of hanging . TYPES OF HANGING 1.Complete hanging 2.Incomplete or partial hanging

4. COMPLETE HANGING In complete hanging the body is completely suspended, and the entire body weight contributes to neck compression. This Is seen in judicial hanging and some form of suicidal hanging.the feet are clear off the ground ,about 2 meters

5. INCOMPLETE OR PARTIAL HANGING The body is not fully suspended; parts of the body (e.g., feet) touch the ground or another surface, and partial weight contributes to compression. Victim maybe sitting, kneeling or lying position , causing occlusion of the neck vessels and airways. Changes seen here are similar to those in suffocation.

6. PATHOPHYSIOLOGY OF HANGING Hanging causes death through one or more mechanisms : Cerebral Hypoxia : Compression of the neck vessels reduces blood flow to the brain, leading to oxygen deprivation . Airway Obstruction : Direct pressure on the trachea or larynx can block airflow . Vascular Obstruction : Compression of carotid arteries and jugular veins impedes cerebral blood flow and venous return, causing brain ischemia . Neck Spinal Cord Injury : Forceful suspension may damage the cervical spine or spinal cord, especially with a drop in judicial hanging . Reflex Cardiac Arrest : Pressure on the carotid sinus may trigger a vagal reflex, leading to sudden cardiac arrest.

7. spine injury on the cervical vertebrae

8. FORENSIC FEATURES OF HANGING Ligature mark Petechial Hemorrhages Bruises on the neck tissues related to skin ligature Protrusion of the eyes and tongue internal injuries: Fractures of the hyoid bone and thyroid cartilage are more common in older individuals due to ossification. Positional Asphyxia: Signs of asphyxiation, such as cyanosis and frothy fluid from the nose/mouth, may be present. Salivary Dribbling: A common finding due to relaxation of facial muscles.

9. Ligature mark

10. MEDICAL INVESTIGATION Clinical Examination in Survivors : Survivors of hanging may exhibit neck pain, hoarseness, dysphagia, or dyspnea . Neurological deficits (e.g., quadriplegia) may occur in cases with spinal injuries . Immediate airway management and stabilization are crucial . Postmortem Examination : External Examination : Detailed observation of ligature marks, abrasions, and other external injuries. Internal Examination : Dissection of the neck to assess soft tissue, vascular, and bony injuries . Toxicology Analysis : Testing for substances (e.g., alcohol, drugs) that may have influenced the event . Histological Examination : Microscopic analysis of neck tissues to confirm antemortem injury.

11. DIFFERENCE BETWEEN SUICIDE,HOMICIDE AND ACCIDENTAL HANGING suicide: Most common form of hanging . Features such as an accessible ligature point and the absence of defensive injuries support this conclusion . Homicide : Rare and typically associated with additional injuries or evidence of struggle . Examination of ligature marks, victim's position, and surrounding evidence is crucial . Accidental Hanging : Often occurs in children (e.g., during play) or adults in autoerotic asphyxiation . Investigative findings often involve peculiar circumstances.

12. DIFFERENCE BETWEEN TRUE SUICIDAL HANGING AND THE HANGING OF A BODY ALREADY DEAD 1. Ligature Mark True Suicidal Hanging : The ligature mark is well-defined, oblique, and typically incomplete (does not encircle the neck fully).The mark is dry, parchment-like, and located above the thyroid cartilage . It often exhibits signs of vital reaction (e.g., bruising and inflammation) due to antemortem blood circulation . Postmortem Hanging : The ligature mark may lack the characteristic oblique pattern . It is often poorly defined, continuous, and may encircle the neck completely . No vital reactions (e.g., bruising or inflammation) are seen, as blood circulation has ceased . 2 . Petechial Hemorrhages True Suicidal Hanging : Commonly present in the conjunctivae, face, and mucous membranes due to venous obstruction and increased capillary pressure . Indicates antemortem asphyxia . Postmortem Hanging : Absent , as venous pressure and blood flow cease after death . 3. Cyanosis True Suicidal Hanging : Cyanosis of the face, lips, and extremities is common due to antemortem asphyxia . Congestion in facial vessels may also be evident . Postmortem Hanging : Cyanosis is absent, as blood circulation has stopped . 4 . Salivary Dribbling True Suicidal Hanging : Salivary dribbling from the mouth is often present, running down due to relaxation of facial muscles . Indicates antemortem activity and body position during suspension . Postmortem Hanging : Salivary dribbling is absent, as salivary glands are inactive after death.

13. DIFFERENCE BETWEEN TRUE SUICIDAL HANGING AND THE HANGING OF A BODY ALREADY DEAD 5. Internal Neck Injuries True Suicidal Hanging : Injuries such as bruising of the neck muscles, carotid artery walls, or fractures of the hyoid bone or thyroid cartilage are common . These injuries are consistent with the force applied while the individual was alive . Postmortem Hanging : Internal injuries are typically absent or minimal.Any fractures or bruises are likely caused by manipulation after death and lack vital reactions . 6 . Livor Mortis (Postmortem Lividity ) True Suicidal Hanging : Livor mortis is found in dependent parts of the body based on the hanging position. Lividity may be absent in areas compressed by the ligature . Postmortem Hanging : Livor mortis is inconsistent with the hanging position, as it would have already developed in the original position of the body before suspension . 7. Scene Findings True Suicidal Hanging : The body is found in a position and location consistent with hanging . No signs of significant postmortem manipulation or movement . Evidence such as a stool, chair, or ligature setup may suggest self-hanging . Postmortem Hanging : Evidence at the scene (e.g., blood pooling inconsistent with suspension, signs of dragging) may indicate the body was manipulated . Other injuries may suggest foul play or an attempt to simulate suicide.

14. DIFFERENCE BETWEEN TRUE SUICIDAL HANGING AND THE HANGING OF A BODY ALREADY DEAD 8. Time of Death True Suicidal Hanging : The body shows signs of recent death, such as warmth or early rigor mortis Postmortem Hanging : Advanced postmortem changes like rigor mortis or decomposition may be evident, inconsistent with a fresh hanging death . 9 . Toxicological Findings True Suicidal Hanging : Presence of toxins, alcohol, or drugs may indicate voluntary ingestion prior to hanging. Postmortem Hanging : Toxins or poisons may indicate an alternate cause of death before the body was suspended .

15. FACTORS INFLUENCING FORENSIC INVESTIGATION Scene Examination : Position of the body, ligature material, and environmental factors provide critical insights . Time Since Death : Livor mortis, rigor mortis, and body temperature help estimate the postmortem interval . Associated Injuries : Defensive injuries or other trauma may indicate foul play . Psychological History : Investigating the deceased's mental health and potential stressors aids in understanding intent.

16. LEGAL AND ETHICAL CONSIDERATIONS Documentation : Detailed autopsy reports and scene photographs are essential for legal proceedings . Consent and Confidentiality : Handling sensitive information about the deceased with care is vital . Role of Experts : Collaboration between forensic pathologists, crime scene investigators, and law enforcement ensures accurate conclusions.

17. CONCLUSION Hanging is a complex topic that requires a multidisciplinary approach in medical and forensic investigations. Careful analysis of physical evidence, medical findings, and circumstantial details helps determine the cause and manner of death. Effective investigation not only aids in justice but also provides closure to affected families.