title: Suicidal Smothering by Rubber Latex Gloves and Handkerchief.
abstract: Asphyxial deaths are common in forensic practice, being sustained by a variety of mechanisms that cause an oxygen deficiency to the brain. Several classification models have been proposed in the literature, the most recent one being that of the International Network for Forensic Research Group (INFOR). This report describes an unusual case of suffocation where the obstruction of the airways was caused by a gag formed of three latex gloves and a handkerchief. The manner of death (differential diagnosis between homicide and suicide) and the different alternatives of classification are discussed.
authors.affiliation: Legal Medicine and Toxicology, Department of Cardiological, Thoracic and Vascular Sciences, University-Hospital of Padova, Via Falloppio, 50, 35121, Padova, Italy.
authors.forename: Alessia
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Viero
authors.affiliation: Legal Medicine and Toxicology, Department of Cardiological, Thoracic and Vascular Sciences, University-Hospital of Padova, Via Falloppio, 50, 35121, Padova, Italy.
authors.forename: Giovanni
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Cecchetto
authors.affiliation: Legal Medicine and Toxicology, Department of Cardiological, Thoracic and Vascular Sciences, University-Hospital of Padova, Via Falloppio, 50, 35121, Padova, Italy.
authors.forename: Rafael
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Boscolo-Berto
authors.affiliation: Legal Medicine and Toxicology, Department of Cardiological, Thoracic and Vascular Sciences, University-Hospital of Padova, Via Falloppio, 50, 35121, Padova, Italy.
authors.forename: Guido
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Viel
authors.affiliation: Legal Medicine and Toxicology, Department of Cardiological, Thoracic and Vascular Sciences, University-Hospital of Padova, Via Falloppio, 50, 35121, Padova, Italy.
authors.forename: Massimo
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Montisci
mesh_terms: D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000402:Airway Obstruction / Q000209:etiology*; D001237:Asphyxia / Q000209:etiology*; D005547:Foreign Bodies / Q000150:complications*; D005932:Gloves, Surgical; D006801:Humans; D007103:Immobilization; D007840:Latex; D008297:Male; D013405:Suicide
chemical_list: D007840:Latex
keywords: asphyxia; classification; differential diagnosis; forensic pathology; forensic science; smothering; suffocation; suicide