title: Propane-associated autoerotic asphyxiation: accident or suicide?
abstract: Autoerotic fatalities refer to a death resulting from the participation in a sex-related activity designed to heighten sexual arousal. The overwhelming majority of these deaths are due to asphyxia, most often by hanging or ligature compression of the neck. Here we report a case of "atypical" autoerotic fatality in which death was not induced by ligature compression. Unusual death of a 24-year-old man, involving propane inhalation and plastic bag suffocation, is described. The special characteristics of propane gas as an asphyxiant agent are discussed, as well as its effect on the human body.
authors.affiliation: Department of Forensic Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Rijeka, Rijeka, Croatia.
authors.forename: Valter
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Stemberga
authors.forename: Marina
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Bralić
authors.forename: Alan
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Bosnar
authors.forename: Miran
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Coklo
mesh_terms: D000059:Accidents; D000328:Adult; D001237:Asphyxia / Q000175:diagnosis*; D002423:Cause of Death; D017809:Fatal Outcome; D044707:Forensic Sciences; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D010262:Paraphilic Disorders; D011407:Propane / Q000506:poisoning*; D013405:Suicide
chemical_list: D011407:Propane