Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 29, 2026
05:48
Lung Fixation under Constant Pressure for Evaluation of Emphysema in Mice
Published on: September 26, 2019
Cervical soft tissue emphysema in hanging--a prospective autopsy study.
Slobodan Nikolić1, Vladimir Zivković, Dragan Babić
1Institute of Forensic Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia. bobanvladislav@yahoo.com
Journal of Forensic Sciences
|September 20, 2011
Summary
Cervical soft tissue emphysema (CSTE) was found in 44 of 83 hanging cases. This finding, appearing as frothy air in neck tissues, requires careful interpretation due to potential antemortem or artifactual causes.
Area of Science:
- Forensic Pathology
- Medical Science
- Autopsy Techniques
Background:
- The mechanism of cervical soft tissue emphysema (CSTE) in hanging deaths is not well understood.
- CSTE involves frothy, air-like formations within the neck's connective tissues near the ligature mark.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the frequency of CSTE in cases of death by hanging.
- To describe the gross appearance and potential origins of CSTE.
Main Methods:
- Autopsy examination of 83 deceased individuals, with an average age of 55.3 years.
- Specialized autopsy technique involving layered preparation of neck organs.
- Gross examination for frothy air formations in superficial and deep neck connective tissues.
Main Results:
- Cervical soft tissue emphysema (CSTE) was identified in 44 out of 83 cases (approximately 53%).
- CSTE presented as soap bubble-like formations in the connective tissue up to the ligature mark.
Conclusions:
- The presence of CSTE in hanging cases is relatively frequent.
- Positive CSTE findings must be interpreted cautiously, as they may represent antemortem phenomena (e.g., Macklin Effect, airway trauma) or postmortem artifacts.
Related Concept Videos
01:23Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease II: Emphysema
Emphysema, a major phenotype of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), is characterized by irreversible destruction of alveolar walls and permanent enlargement of distal airspaces. Unlike chronic bronchitis, which primarily affects the airways, emphysema predominantly involves the lung parenchyma, where structural damage leads to airflow limitation.PathophysiologyIt most commonly results from prolonged exposure to cigarette smoke and other toxic gases, particularly cigarette smoke.
01:21Aneurysm II: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Studies
Thoracic, aortic arch and abdominal aneurysms are significant vascular conditions that can present with various clinical manifestations and lead to serious complications. Understanding these manifestations and the appropriate diagnostic studies is essential for effective management and treatment.Thoracic Aortic AneurysmsThoracic aortic aneurysms often remain asymptomatic until they reach a size that impinges on adjacent structures. They typically cause deep, diffuse chest pain that radiates to...
01:08Pneumothorax II: Pathophysiology
Pneumothorax means the presence of air in the pleural space — the thin potential gap between the visceral and parietal pleura. This condition disrupts the normal pressure balance that keeps the lungs inflated, leading to partial or complete collapse of the affected lung.Normal physiologyUnder normal conditions, the pleural space maintains a slightly negative intrapleural pressure, which keeps the lungs expanded against the chest wall. This negative pressure creates a delicate balance between...
01:10Atelectasis II: Pathophysiology
Atelectasis develops when alveoli lose their air and collapse inward. Because lung tissue is naturally elastic, these air sacs shrink rather than remaining open. Collapsed alveoli are no longer ventilated, reducing their role in gas exchange. Blood flow may continue in these regions, creating a ventilation–perfusion mismatch. Clinical findings include decreased breath sounds, dullness to percussion, reduced chest expansion, and decreased tactile fremitus as sound transmission through collapsed...
01:26Endoscopic Studies II: Thoracocentesis
Thoracentesis(Thoracocentesis), commonly known as pleural tap, is a medical procedure where a 22 gauge needle is inserted into the pleural space, the area between the lung and chest wall. This procedure is commonly performed to diagnose or treat various respiratory disorders.
Description
Excess pleural fluid or air may accumulate in some respiratory disorders in the thoracic cavity. To treat pleural effusion, a physician conducts thoracentesis by carefully piercing the chest wall and entering...
Description
Excess pleural fluid or air may accumulate in some respiratory disorders in the thoracic cavity. To treat pleural effusion, a physician conducts thoracentesis by carefully piercing the chest wall and entering...