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Magnetic resonance images in hanging
Takeshi Matsuyama1, Kazuo Okuchi, Tadahiko Seki
1Department of Critical Care and Emergency Medicine, Nara Medical University, Kashihara 634-8522, Japan. tmatsuya@nmu-gw.naramed-u.ac.jp
Resuscitation
|February 7, 2006
Summary
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) revealed specific brain changes in a hanging suicide attempt survivor. These findings suggest severe global cerebral hypoperfusion, similar to prolonged cardiopulmonary arrest.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Radiology
- Forensic Medicine
Background:
- Hanging is a common suicide method in Japan, with known CT findings but limited MRI data.
- Previous research has documented characteristic MRI findings in acute global cerebral ischemia due to hypoglycemia or cardiopulmonary arrest.
Observation:
- A 39-year-old woman survived a suicide attempt by hanging.
- She experienced approximately three minutes of respiratory cessation before resuscitation.
- Ten days post-admission, MRI revealed symmetrical T1 hyperintensity and relative T2 hyperintensity in the bilateral lentiform nuclei and medial thalami.
Findings:
- The observed MRI signal abnormalities in the lentiform nuclei and thalami are consistent with acute global cerebral hypoperfusion.
- These findings mirror those seen in severe global cerebral ischemia from other causes, such as prolonged cardiopulmonary arrest.
Implications:
- This case highlights that severe acute global cerebral hypoperfusion is a significant consequence of hanging.
- The findings suggest that MRI can detect characteristic brain changes following hanging, similar to other causes of cerebral ischemia.
- Understanding these MRI findings is crucial for assessing the neurological sequelae of hanging.