Citation

Kernbach-Wighton G, Sprung R. Rom. J. Leg. Med. 1998; 6(3): 233-238.

Copyright

(Copyright © 1998, Romanian Legal Medicine Society)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

Toxicological and medico-legal aspects of an intoxication due to diethylether and a review of the literature A 45-year-old man was found dead lying on a sofa in his house. He had pulled a plastic bag over his head, the bag containing a pad of cotton wool soaked with diethylether. Different aspects are discussed in this paper based on a review of the literature: anamnesis, scene of death, utensils used for inhalation and autopsy findings. There are especially pointed out the results of chemical and toxicological analyses in many body compartments. Furthermore are interpreted the manners and the relations of the distribution of ether as well as possible effects on the consciousness. In consideration of other published cases, the analytical results concerning ether are discussed with regard to the presumed cause of death (e.g. asphyxia) and other potential competitive mechanisms.

Language: en

Keywords

adult; article; asphyxia; Asphyxia; autopsy; Autopsy findings; case report; cause of death; Diethylether; ether; forensic identification; human; Inhalation; intoxication; male; self poisoning; Suicide; Toxicology