@article{ref1,
title="Self-strangulation through a sphygmomanometer: an uncommon suicide",
journal="Journal of forensic sciences",
year="2016",
author="Lo Pinto, Sara and Tacchella, Tiziana and Fossati, Francesca and Bonsignore, Alessandro and Ventura, Francesco",
volume="62",
number="2",
pages="528-530",
abstract="Suicide by asphyxia is quite a common event in forensic practice and may be implemented in different ways. The authors report a unique case of a 16-year-old youth who committed suicide by means of a standard mercury sphygmomanometer. This manner of suicide has never been described in the literature reviewed. A complete forensic investigation led to the conclusion that the cause of death was mechanical asphyxia, ascribed to self-strangulation by means of an atypical item. The victim suffered from attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) syndrome and was assisted by support teachers. He had a solitary and depressive personality. The exceptional nature of this case suggests that sphygmomanometers may be regarded as possible means of self-strangulation. The case also highlights the importance of managing patients with psychiatric or cognitive disorders; indeed, particular caution is required to keep them away from objects that, although apparently harmless, can become lethal.<br><br>© 2016 American Academy of Forensic Sciences.<p /> <p>Language: en</p>",
language="en",
issn="0022-1198",
doi="10.1111/1556-4029.13278",
url="http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/1556-4029.13278"
}