title: Pneumomediastinum and soft tissue emphysema in pediatric hanging.
abstract: Postmortem computed tomography (CT) is increasingly being used as a tool in forensic pathology. The exact value of postmortem imaging in detecting specific conditions has not yet been established, but in specific cases, it can be used as a diagnostic tool demonstrating findings that remain undetected during autopsy, as in this case. Pneumomediastinum and soft tissue emphysema were detected with postmortem CT in a 3-year-old girl after hanging. It was not found during autopsy. This radiological finding matches 3 adult cases previously described. It is assumed that in this case, the first reported in a child, hanging was the most likely cause as well. In the adult cases, it was interpreted as a vital sign; the person must have been alive to create a pressure gradient causing rupture of the alveoli. This case demonstrates one of the added values of postmortem imaging, the possibility of demonstrating findings that remain undetected during autopsy.
authors: Department of Forensic Medicine, Netherlands Forensic Institute, PO Box 24044 2490 AA the Hague, The Netherlands; Department of Radiology, Emma Children's Hospital, Academic Medical Centre (AMC), Meibergdreef 9, 1105 AZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
authors: Tessa
authors: T
authors: Sieswerda-Hoogendoorn
authors: Anne S
authors: AS
authors: Strik
authors: Nick F J
authors: NF
authors: Hilgersom
authors: Vidija
authors: V
authors: Soerdjbalie-Maikoe
authors: Rick R
authors: RR
authors: van Rijn
mesh_terms: D001237:Asphyxia / Q000473:pathology*; D002675:Child, Preschool; D005260:Female; D006708:Homicide; D006801:Humans; D008478:Mediastinal Emphysema / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D061330:Multidetector Computed Tomography; D019838:Neck Injuries / Q000473:pathology*; D013352:Subcutaneous Emphysema / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*
keywords: autopsy; emphysema; forensic science; hanging; pneumomediastinum; postmortem radiology