[The dermatoglyphic peculiarities of skin patterns in the subjects convicted for the sexual offence].

The objective of the present work was to study the dermatoglyphic peculiarities of skin patterns in the subjects convicted for the sexual offence and in the control subject who committed no criminal crime. The classical methods of dermatoglyphics and statistical treatment of the data obtained were employed. The study demonstrated abnormal dermatoglyphic features that can be used as the markers of the aggressive sexual behaviour.

[Death by erotic asphyxiation (breath control play)]. / Tod durch Atemreduktion.

Most cases of sexual asphyxia are due to autoerotic activity. Asphyxia due to oronasal occlusion is mostly seen in very old or very young victims. Oronasal occlusion is also used in sadomasochistic sexual practices like "breath control play" or "erotic asphyxiation". If life saving time limitations of oronasal occlusion are not observed, conviction for homicide caused by negligence is possible.

Are sadomasochism and hypersexuality in autism linked to amygdalohippocampal lesion?

INTRODUCTION: Pathologies of the amygdala and the hippocampus have been argued to be critically involved in autism as well as in sadomasochism. In line with Kluver and Bucy syndrome, clinical observations, animal models and a few case reports emphasize that temporal brain changes are important for the etiopathogenesis of sexual deviant behaviour. In particular, the amygdalohippocampal region has been linked to hypersexuality, transvestitism and fetishism. While cases and studies are rare, the impact of amygdalohippocampal changes in criminal behaviour remains unclear so far. AIM: To demonstrate the impact of subcortical neurobiological changes in the etiopathogenesis of autism and sadomasochism. METHODS: We report on a forensic psychiatric inpatient due to murderer with autism and sadomasochism who had amgdalohippocampal abnormalities bilaterally. Studies on the neurobiological underpinnings of autism and of sadomasochism are reviewed in particular regarding amygdalohippocampal region. RESULTS: In this patient, MRI scan showed hypointensities in amygdala-hippocampal complex bilaterally medial to both cornua inferiores corresponding to an amygdalo-hippocampal atrophy. CONCLUSIONS: In line with the literature, this case report links autism and sadomasochism to amygdalohippocampal pathology emphasising its impact in the etiopathogenesis of both disorders. Further research is needed to elucidate the interaction of amygdalohippocampal changes, disturbed emotion precessing and sex offenses.