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Suicide by insulin injection in combination with beta-blocker application
1Institute of Legal Medicine, University of Hamburg, Butenfeld 34, 22529, Hamburg, Germany. junge_m@web.de
Forensic Science International
|September 9, 2000
Summary
A physician died by suicide using an insulin overdose combined with a beta-blocker. A pulmonary thromboembolism was also discovered during the autopsy.
Area of Science:
- Forensic toxicology
- Cardiovascular pathology
- Endocrinology
Background:
- A 68-year-old physician with a psychiatric history died at home.
- The scene suggested potential drug-related death, with insulin syringes present.
Observation:
- Autopsy and toxicological analysis were performed.
- Evidence indicated suicide via insulin overdose and metoprolol ingestion.
Findings:
- The cause of death was a combined overdose of insulin and metoprolol.
- A terminal pulmonary thromboembolism was an unexpected finding.
Implications:
- This case highlights the potential for lethal self-harm using commonly available medications.
- The co-occurrence of pulmonary thromboembolism warrants further investigation into potential contributing factors.