The objective of the present study was to estimate the proportion of hanging victims presenting with limb lesions, to compare this rate between hanging in restraint spaces and in more open settings, and to describe the usual pattern of limb lesions associated with hanging. Two hundred and seven cases of suicidal hanging were retrospectively reviewed and compared to 45 homicidal nonhanging strangulation victims. Bruises incidence was significantly lower in hanging victims (19.8%) compared to homicidal strangulation victims (55.6%). Bruises were more commonly encountered in restraint areas such as closets and staircases (56.3% and 66.7%, respectively) than in more open settings such as barn, bridge, fence, and park. Limb bruises on hanging victims were generally located on the posterior upper limb or the anterior lower limbs, whereas strangulation victims did not display this preferential bruises concentration. Possible suspicion criteria for limb bruises distribution are discussed, in relation to physiopathology of human asphyxia by hanging.
The present study was designed to describe the evolution of forensic literature in North-American journals over more than 25 years. From 1980 to 2005, the number of articles per year and the average number of authors per article have both increased almost twofold, while the relative contribution of other countries in comparison to the United States has increased from 19.2% to 61.0%. The contributions to the forensic literature of anthropology and biology/DNA have significantly increased, while the contribution of questioned documents and ballistics decreased. Finally, the number of studies using the scientific method has significantly increased through the years, passing from 10.5% to 40.7%. This better knowledge of our body of literature as a whole could help us assess our strengths and weaknesses, and help us to position ourselves on literature ethical issues.
Pancreaticopleural fistula (PPF) is a rare complication of chronic pancreatitis. We present the case of a 34 yearsold male who presented with a massive left side pleural effusion. The MRCP showed the PPF and the patient was rapidly treated with a pancreatic duct stent. There was no recurrence of pleural effusion after twenty-two months of follow-up. This case highlights the prompt recognition of PPF by medical team and the right identification of a fistula amenable to an endoscopic treatment.
scite is a Brooklyn-based organization that helps researchers better discover and understand research articles through Smart Citations–citations that display the context of the citation and describe whether the article provides supporting or contrasting evidence. scite is used by students and researchers from around the world and is funded in part by the National Science Foundation and the National Institute on Drug Abuse of the National Institutes of Health.