TY  - JOUR
PY  - 2016//
TI  - Self-strangulation through a sphygmomanometer: an uncommon suicide
JO  - Journal of forensic sciences
A1  - Lo Pinto, Sara
A1  - Tacchella, Tiziana
A1  - Fossati, Francesca
A1  - Bonsignore, Alessandro
A1  - Ventura, Francesco
SP  - 528
EP  - 530
VL  - 62
IS  - 2
N2  - 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>
LA  - en
SN  - 0022-1198
UR  - http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/1556-4029.13278
ID  - ref1
ER  -