Module 12.1 Flashcards
Asphyxia
Inadequate oxygenation of tissue
Common endpoint in deaths
Broad/varied
Endogenous diseases/exogenous causes
Mechanism of death
Signs of asphyxiation
5 classic findings
-cyanosis
-blood fluidity
-RV engorgement
-visceral congestion
-petechiae
None necessary for asphyxia, refuted (some common in vet med)
Suffocation
Smothering, choking, confined spaces/entrapment, vitiated atmosphere
Strangulation
Ligature, hanging, manual
Mechanical asphyxia
Positional or traumatic
Smothering
Suffocation
Mech obstruction of nose/mouth
ABOVE epiglottis
Subtle to no findings
Choking
Suffocation
Mech obstruction of larynx/airways
BELOW epiglottis
Subtle to no findings
Confined spaces/vitiated atmosphere
Suffocation
Confined-inadequate O2
Vitiated-o2 displaced by other gas
No significant findings
Strangulation
No consensus of types of lesions
Ligature, manual, hanging
General sequence: resp distress, tachycardia, bradycardia, apnea, terminal respirations, cardiac arrest
Ligature
Around the neck tightened by force, not body weight
Few cases
Collect ligature
Lesions: mark/furrow, self inflicted trauma, dark line from subcutis
Hanging
Weight of body tightens rope
Complete suspension not required
Lesions: lig and furrow, V configuration w apex at suspension pt, pulmonary edema, congestion, hemorrhage, atelectasis, dependent lobes more congested
Manual
Force applied to neck by other means than body weight
Can have other lesions like BFT, SFT, etc.
Mechanical asphyxia
Pressure on chest/abdomen
Traumatic-external chest compression
Positional-position of individual
Drowning
Respiratory impairment from submersion/immersion in liquid
Diagnosis of exclusion
No specific findings