TY  - JOUR
PY  - 2014//
TI  - Pneumomediastinum and soft tissue emphysema in pediatric hanging
JO  - Journal of forensic sciences
A1  - Sieswerda-Hoogendoorn, Tessa
A1  - Strik, Anne S.
A1  - Hilgersom, Nick F. J.
A1  - Soerdjbalie-Maikoe, Vidija
A1  - van Rijn, Rick R.
SP  - 559
EP  - 563
VL  - 59
IS  - 2
N2  - 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>
LA  - en
SN  - 0022-1198
UR  - http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/1556-4029.12315
ID  - ref1
ER  -