Journal of Forensic Medicine and Toxicology

In humans, hanging is one of the most common method of suicide in the society.The present study was conducted with the basic aim to find out the morphological and histopathological changes in cases of violent asphyxial deaths by compression of neck with ligature especially in Ajmer region of Rajasthan. Total number of 105 cases were observed in hanging and ligature strangulation during period from January 2009 to December 2010 in department of Forensic Medicine & Toxicology at JLN Medical College, Ajmer. The vital character of ligature mark can be revealed with accuracy only by histopathological examination of the skin and adjacent soft tissues. In both hanging and ligature strangulation, the colour of the ligature mark was reddish-brown in majority of cases. Internal appearance (pale white glistening) of ligature mark seen in (100%) cases of hanging and extravasations of blood seen in (100%) cases of ligature strangulation. Dermal congestion were more common in hanging, 39 (37.14%) cases, Dermal hemorrhage more common in ligature strangulation, 3 (75%) cases. Hemorrhage was the commonest hispathological findings in muscle tissue in ligature strangulation three 3 (75%) cases, as compare to hanging 40 (44.4%). Perifollicular congestion and hemorrhage were the commonest hispathological findings in the thyroid gland in both hanging and ligature strangulation. Follicular hemorrhage was not found in hanging as well as in ligature strangulation..