[Unusual findings in carbon monoxide-related deaths]

The authors present three cases of carbon monoxide poisoning (two suicides and one accident) from the autopsy material of the Institute of Legal Medicine at Basel, which are unusual with regard to the circumstances at the scene of death, the method of suicide and the post-mortem findings: Suicide of a 27-year-old male by burning charcoal in the bathroom, documentation of the suicide and previous attempted suicides on a tablet PC. Suicide of a 27-year-old male by carbon monoxide chemically, produced by dehydration of formic acid with sulphuric acid and inhalation of the gas through a breathing mask. Accidental carbon monoxide poisoning of a 34-year-old male by car exhaust fumes in an open garage. Difficult establishment of the diagnosis in the post-mortem examination due to unspecific colour of livores and varnished fingernails.