Assessing the Significance of Tissue Biopsy in Suicidal Hanging Deaths

Hanging is that form of asphyxia which is caused by suspension of the body by a ligature which encircles the neck, the constricting force being the weight of the body. It is a common method of committing suicide. So this study was planned to evaluate a 3 year retrospective study including all autopsy reports of suicidal hanging deaths in and around Hyderabad area. Hematoxyline and eosin (H&E) stain was used for the microscopic description of the three tissue biopsies that have been selected in this study. Other confirmatory tests have been performed for certain cases, when needed. The total number of cases was 42; 83% of the deceased were males, while 17% were females. The majority of cases (63%) were among the age group of 20–30 years. Hemorrhage of the sternocleidomastoid muscle and carotid intimal tear were both found in 90% of cases. Thyroid congestion was detected in 88%, and Hashimoto's thyroiditis was diagnosed in 2% of studied cases. It concludes that the incidence of suicide by hanging method was outstanding particularly in laborers who end their lives due to many issues such as: psychiatric, social, financial, familial and seasonal aspects.