@article{ref1,
title="Pneumomediastinum and soft tissue emphysema in pediatric hanging",
journal="Journal of forensic sciences",
year="2014",
author="Sieswerda-Hoogendoorn, Tessa and Strik, Anne S. and Hilgersom, Nick F. J. and Soerdjbalie-Maikoe, Vidija and van Rijn, Rick R.",
volume="59",
number="2",
pages="559-563",
abstract="Postmortem computed tomography (CT) is increasingly being used as a tool in forensic pathology. The exact value of postmortem imaging in detecting specific conditions has not yet been established, but in specific cases, it can be used as a diagnostic tool demonstrating findings that remain undetected during autopsy, as in this case. Pneumomediastinum and soft tissue emphysema were detected with postmortem CT in a 3-year-old girl after hanging. It was not found during autopsy. This radiological finding matches 3 adult cases previously described. It is assumed that in this case, the first reported in a child, hanging was the most likely cause as well. In the adult cases, it was interpreted as a vital sign; the person must have been alive to create a pressure gradient causing rupture of the alveoli. This case demonstrates one of the added values of postmortem imaging, the possibility of demonstrating findings that remain undetected during autopsy.<p /> <p>Language: en</p>",
language="en",
issn="0022-1198",
doi="10.1111/1556-4029.12315",
url="http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/1556-4029.12315"
}