Pneumomediastinum and Soft Tissue Emphysema in Pediatric Hanging
Corresponding Author
Tessa Sieswerda-Hoogendoorn M.D., M.Sc.
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
Additional information and reprint requests:
Tessa Sieswerda-Hoogendoorn, M.D., M.Sc.
Department of Radiology
Emma Children's Hospital
Academic Medical Centre (AMC)
Meibergdreef 9
1105 AZ Amsterdam
The Netherlands
E-mail: [email protected]
Search for more papers by this authorAnne S. Strik
Faculty of Medicine, Academic Medical Centre (AMC), University of Amsterdam, Meibergdreef 9, 1105 AZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands
Search for more papers by this authorNick F. J. Hilgersom
Faculty of Medicine, Academic Medical Centre (AMC), University of Amsterdam, Meibergdreef 9, 1105 AZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands
Search for more papers by this authorVidija Soerdjbalie-Maikoe M.D., Ph.D.
Department of Forensic Medicine, Netherlands Forensic Institute, PO Box 24044 2490 AA the Hague, The Netherlands
Search for more papers by this authorRick R. van Rijn M.D., Ph.D.
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
Search for more papers by this authorCorresponding Author
Tessa Sieswerda-Hoogendoorn M.D., M.Sc.
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
Additional information and reprint requests:
Tessa Sieswerda-Hoogendoorn, M.D., M.Sc.
Department of Radiology
Emma Children's Hospital
Academic Medical Centre (AMC)
Meibergdreef 9
1105 AZ Amsterdam
The Netherlands
E-mail: [email protected]
Search for more papers by this authorAnne S. Strik
Faculty of Medicine, Academic Medical Centre (AMC), University of Amsterdam, Meibergdreef 9, 1105 AZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands
Search for more papers by this authorNick F. J. Hilgersom
Faculty of Medicine, Academic Medical Centre (AMC), University of Amsterdam, Meibergdreef 9, 1105 AZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands
Search for more papers by this authorVidija Soerdjbalie-Maikoe M.D., Ph.D.
Department of Forensic Medicine, Netherlands Forensic Institute, PO Box 24044 2490 AA the Hague, The Netherlands
Search for more papers by this authorRick R. van Rijn M.D., Ph.D.
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
Search for more papers by this authorAbstract
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.
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