ABSTRACT
Mechanical asphyxia of the neck(hanging, ligature strangulation, manual strangulation and combined deaths) provides one of the most complex and controversial areas of 'asphyxial' deaths. To better understand the presentation of such cases, we reviewed retrospectively forensic autopsy files of the Central District Office, National Institute of Scientific Investigation from June 1, 2000, through June 31, 2003 for all such cases. A total of 80 cases were found; hanging 37 cases(46.3%), ligature strangulation 9 cases(11.2%), manual strangulation 25 cases(31.3%) and combined deaths 9 cases(11.2%). Economic problem was one of most frequent motives. Petechiae were present in the conjunctivae and/or sclerae in 37.5% of hanging cases, 100.0% of ligature strangulation cases, 88.8% of manual strangulation cases and 88.9% of combined deaths cases; fractures of the hyoid and/or thyroid cartilage were most frequently present in manual strangulation(52.0%). All children under 10 years old were killed by their parents. Fifty-nine percent of the victims had been subjected to additional violence. Twenty-six percent of victims had blood alcohol.