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[Bilateral internal carotid thrombosis: search for strangulation, even very ancient].

INTRODUCTION: We report 2 cases of bilateral carotid thrombosis secondary to repeated attempts of strangulation. EXEGESIS: The first case was discovered in a 31-years-old woman who complained of psychiatric manifestations, memory loss and aphasia. Subsequently she developed hemiplegia which worsened under low dose aspirin. The second case occurred in a 41-years-old woman who presented with sudden hemiplegia and aphasia. Diagnosis of bilateral carotid thrombosis based on angiocomputerized tomography or angioRMI data which suggested dissection. Thrombosis location was similar: bilateral, symmetric, close to the carotid bifurcation. Both women had atherosclerosis risk factors: current smoking, use of estrogen containing pill, dyslipidemia and/or familial cardiovascular history. Search for thrombophilia was negative. Both women had been victims of intimate partner violence with repeated attempts of strangulation, but they were stopped 8 and 6 years before the diagnosis of carotid thrombosis. Several private interviews were necessary before knowing the exact cause. CONCLUSION: Symmetrical bilateral thrombosis of internal carotids near the bifurcation should lead to evoke repeated attempts of strangulation, even if there are arterial risk factors, and especially if the patient is a middle-aged female. The therapy is not codified but prolonged anticoagulation is generally prescribed.

Adult↗

Transfer of biological traces in cases of hanging and ligature strangulation.

In hanging and ligature strangulation, the noose mostly causes a mark or groove which is formed partly by compression of the skin and partly by abrasion with loss of the upper epidermal layers. The horny scales abraded from the neck may be transferred to the strangulation device or to the interposed textiles where they are sometimes visible at stereomicroscopic examination or even to the naked eye as silver-grey particles. The morphologic features of the epidermal transfer due to hanging and ligature strangulation is demonstrated by 14 case examples. The biological traces may be sufficient for comparative DNA typing by means of PCR-based methods. In 9 out of the 14 cases, genomic DNA typing was successful. Analysis of mtDNA succeeded in another two cases, although genomic DNA could not be detected. Beside the accumulation of solid epidermic particles the paper describes deposition of serous and fatty tissue fluid at the ligature (mainly adjacent to skin ridges).

Adult↗

A review of 300 attempted strangulation cases Part II: clinical evaluation of the surviving victim.

Medical literature describing victims who survive strangulation is scant. The majority of articles on strangulation are found in the forensic literature, describing the post-mortem findings on autopsy. This article presents a suggested protocol for the evaluation and treatment of the surviving victim of strangulation, based upon a review of the available literature. It also corroborates the findings of Strack et al., in the study by the San Diego City Attorney's Office, described in Part I of this series.

Asphyxia↗

A review of 300 attempted strangulation cases Part III: injuries in fatal cases.

A review of 300 cases of alleged strangulation assault, submitted for misdemeanor prosecution by the San Diego City Attorney's Office, led to a search for medical evidence that would be useful to prosecute these cases (see Strack et al. in this issue of the Journal). The injuries identified in these non-fatal cases are similar to injuries found in fatal domestic violence strangulation assaults. This article reviews the injuries recognizable at autopsy in cases of strangulation in domestic violence victims.

Asphyxia↗

[Left strangulated diaphragmatic hernia: an unusual complication of gastric bypass].

The appearance of left strangulated diaphragmatic hernia doesn't seem to have been described in the past as a progressive complication after gastric bypass surgery. The authors describe the case of a 54 year old patient suffering from a strangulated gastric hernia pushing through a diaphragm defect located next to the gastric band. The gastric band had been placed two years previously in this patient suffering from morbid obesity. Strangulation of the hernia resulted in the sphacelation of the entire stomach fundus. Therefore a partial gastrectomy and removal of the band was necessary. Recovery from procedure was without complications. The past history of a major spinal trauma in this patient, could have led to a discussion regarding the etiology of this hernia, however the delay between the two events (28 years) makes this unlikely. It seems, therefore, that the placement of a gastric band was the responsible factor. The authors emphasize the importance of pre-procedure pulmonary X-ray, prior to any general anesthesia, as well as a post procedure cliché following any intervention that might have lead to diaphragmatic lesion.

Gastric Bypass↗

Strangulating obstruction caused by intestinal herniation through the proximal aspect of the cecocolic fold in 9 horses.

OBJECTIVE: To report the clinical and surgical findings and outcome for horses with strangulating obstruction caused by herniation through the proximal aspect of the cecocolic fold. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective study. ANIMALS: Nine horses. METHODS: Medical records were reviewed for clinical signs, surgical findings and technique, and outcome. Cadaver ponies and necropsy specimens were also used to study the regional anatomy of the cecocolic fold. RESULTS: The ileum and distal jejunum were strangulated in 8 horses, whereas in 1 horse the small intestine and the left ascending colons were incarcerated in a rent in the cecocolic fold. Two horses were euthanatized at surgery, 6 horses had a small intestinal resection (mean length, 3 m; range, 1.5-6.4 m) and an end-to-side jejunocecostomy, and the entrapment was reduced without resection in the horse that had small intestine and ascending colon incarceration; cecocolic fold defects were not closed. One horse was euthanatized 36 hours after surgery because of endotoxemia. Six horses were discharged; 4 were available for long-term follow-up, of which 2 were euthanatized, and 2 were euthanatized 12 and 18 months after surgery because of colic signs. Variations in thickness of the cecocolic fold were observed in specimens obtained from necropsy of other horses and ponies. CONCLUSIONS: Reasons for this defect are unknown, although observed anatomic differences in cecocolic fold thickness may contribute to the development of defects. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Reduction of the entrapped bowel is easiest when traction is placed on the bowel at a 90 degrees to the base of the cecum. Intestinal incarceration through rents within the proximal part of the cecocolic fold should be considered as a differential diagnosis for strangulating obstruction in horses.

Animals↗

Diffuse unilateral hemorrhagic retinopathy associated with accidental perinatal strangulation. A clinicopathologic report.

OBJECTIVE: To report an unusual case of diffuse retinal hemorrhage associated with strangulation in a neonate with a tightly wrapped nuchal cord around his neck at birth who was noted to have eyelid and subconjunctival petechial hemorrhages upon delivery. METHODS: Clinical diagnostic examination as well as postmortem gross and histopathologic examination of ocular and central nervous system structures was performed. RESULTS: Funduscopic and gross pathologic examination of the eyes revealed extensive unilateral retinal hemorrhage of the right eye only. This was corroborated by histopathologic studies, which revealed unilateral diffuse hemorrhage throughout all nuclear layers of the retina with a particularly dense nerve fiber layer and sub-internal limiting membrane hemorrhage in the macula along with extraocular muscle and episcleral hemorrhage. Clinical, gross, and microscopic examination also revealed multiple areas of hemorrhage involving the right side of the brain and throughout the cerebellum. CONCLUSION: Although retinal findings in nonaccidental trauma are common, accidental strangulation retinopathy in neonates is a rare occurrence. To the authors' knowledge, this case is the only documented histopathologic study of hemorrhagic retinopathy associated with strangulation in the literature.

Airway Obstruction↗

Haematemesis resulting from ischaemic strangulating intestinal obstruction.

Although bleeding into the intestinal lumen may occur in strangulating intestinal obstruction, haematemesis is infrequently encountered. We report on a patient who presented with haematemesis and who had, in addition, clinical and radiological features of small bowel obstruction. Upper gastrointestinal endoscopy did not locate the source of bleeding. At laparotomy, which was performed because of clinical deterioration, gangrenous strangulated small bowel secondary to adhesive obstruction was found. In a patient with non-resolving intestinal obstruction, a deterioration in the condition is a clear indication for exploration. Haematemesis occurring concurrently may be a marker of intestinal strangulation, adds strength to the indication and highlights the urgency of the need for exploration.

Adult↗

Intestinal obstruction caused by a strangulated Morgagni hernia in an adult patient.

A Morgagni hernia is a congenital herniation of abdominal contents into the thoracic cavity through a retrosternal diaphragmatic defect. The reported incidence of congenital diaphragmatic hernias is estimated to be 1 in between 2000 to 5000 births. Morgagni hernias comprise 2% of diaphragmatic hernias. Most Morgagni hernias are found and repaired in children, but 5% are found in adults. They are usually asymptomatic and often found incidentally on chest radiography. Symptoms of these hernias are attributable to the herniated viscera. Morgagni hernias containing bowel may require repair on presentation because of the risk of incarceration. We present a case of an incarcerated and strangulated Morgagni hernia in a 71-year-old woman admitted to our clinic for abdominal pain and symptoms of intestinal obstruction. The diagnosis was made preoperatively by chest radiography, sonography, and computed tomography. Emergent laparotomy was performed, with the herniated transverse colon and omentum reduced into the abdomen. The diaphragmatic defect was repaired, followed by resection of the strangulated omentum. In conclusion, a Morgagni hernia may cause intestinal obstruction. Routine radiographic studies are usually sufficient to arrive at the diagnosis, but a CT scan and sonography may be necessary. Laparotomy is appropriate for the management of symptomatic adult patients with Morgagni hernias, particularly those with findings of intestinal strangulation, with laparoscopic treatment an alternative approach in selected cases.

Aged↗

The cardiac pendulum: blunt rupture of the pericardium with strangulation of the heart.

BACKGROUND: Blunt injury of the pericardium with strangulation of the heart is a rare clinical injury. METHODS: We conducted a review of clinical records and performed prospective collection of forensic data from a large urban medical examiner's office. RESULTS: Ten cases of blunt injury to the pericardium were identified. All were secondary to blunt trauma. Nine of the 10 cases had associated chest wall injuries and 5 of the 10 cases had cardiac strangulation. CONCLUSION: Pericardial lacerations are common findings at autopsy. Clinically, those that survive to the hospital have a confusing presentation. They are often diagnosed during emergent thoracotomy for hemodynamic instability. Hemodynamic deterioration associated with change in patient position may be a clue to cardiac strangulation.

Accidental Falls↗

Small bowel strangulation caused by parasitic peritoneal strand.

A 51-year-old woman with a history of eating raw fish over a period of 2 weeks developed a progressive abdominal pain and leukocytosis with signs of small bowel obstruction. Eosinophilia was not detected in the peripheral blood. The patient underwent surgery to clarify the possibility of ileus. Partial small bowel near the ileum was trapped by a peritoneal strand and was strangulated for approximately 30 cm in length with congestion and edema. The removal of the strand easily released the strangulation and the small bowel returned to a normal appearance. Pathologically, the strand consisted of granulomatous inflammation with a wide zone of necrosis containing a dead ghost feature of a parasite in its center. The necrosis was surrounded by palisading spindle cells with largely lymphocytic infiltration and a few eosinophils. In the parasite, there presented the polymyalian type muscle layer, ventricles and Renette cells, which suggested that the parasite is compatible with the third stage larva of Anisakis type I, leading to the diagnosis of ectopic anisakidosis. It should be noted that, on rare occasions, Anisakis larva migrans can form a peritoneal strand with a wide zone of necrosis and cause strangulation ileus, especially in populations with the habit of eating raw fish.

Animals↗

Intestinal entrapment and strangulation caused by rupture of the duodenocolic ligament in four dogs.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to describe four dogs with intestinal entrapment and strangulation caused by a rupture of the duodenocolic ligament. STUDY DESIGN: This case series documents historical findings, physical examination findings, diagnostic workup, surgical intervention, and outcome of four dogs confirmed at surgery with duodenocolic ligament rupture. RESULTS: Three of four dogs were German shepherds, and two of three German shepherds were intact males. The history, clinical signs, and physical examination findings were not specific for intestinal entrapment. The clinical signs in three of four dogs included chronic vomiting, diarrhea, anorexia, and lethargy. In the remaining dog, the clinical signs were vomiting and peracute collapse. This dog rapidly deteriorated over a few hours because of strangulation of the entrapped intestines. In two of four dogs, abdominal radiographs showed a distended colon displaced to the right side of the abdominal cavity. Surgery involved transection of the remaining ventral remnant of the duodenocolic ligament and replacing the colon into its normal anatomic position. The three dogs with chronic clinical signs were either still alive, or were euthanatized for unrelated problems. The dog with strangulation of the entrapped intestines was euthanatized at the time of surgery. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Duodenocolic ligament rupture with secondary bowel entrapment can occur in dogs. The prognosis for these animals is favorable provided there is no vascular compromise of the entrapped bowel segments. The peracute history, progression of the disease process, and outcome of the fourth dog in this study indicate that surgery should be performed as an emergency procedure.

Animals↗

The characteristics of intestinal injury peripheral to strangulating obstruction lesions in the equine small intestine.

Recent studies suggest that horses requiring surgical correction of strangulating intestinal obstruction may develop post operative complications as a result of ischaemia/reperfusion injury. Therefore, the mucosal and serosal margins of resected small intestine from 9 horses with small intestinal strangulating lesions were examined for evidence of ischaemia/reperfusion injury. Severe mucosal injury and marked elevations in myeloperoxidase activity were detected at ileal resection margins (n = 4), whereas the mucosa from proximal jejunal (n = 9) and distal jejunal (n = 5) resection margins was normal. However, the serosa from jejunal resection margins had evidence of haemorrhage and oedema, and the proximal jejunal serosa had significantly increased numbers of neutrophils. Histological injury in ileal stumps is indicative of the inability fully to resect the ileum in horses with distal small intestinal strangulations. One of 4 horses subjected to ileal resection was subjected to euthanasia and found to have a necrotic ileal stump. Evidence of serosal injury and neutrophil infiltration in the proximal jejunal resection margins may predispose horses to post operative adhesions. Four of 8 horses discharged from the hospital suffered from recurrent colic in the post operative period.

Anastomosis, Surgical↗

Intestinal Strangulation in Clostridium perfringens-Monocontaminated Rats.

Ischemic and hemorrhagic strangulation of closed intestinal segments was studied in germ-free rats individually contaminated with one of seven separate strains of Clostridium perfringens type A. The principal findings were that (i) the monocontaminated rats with ischemic or hemorrhagic intestinal strangulation died at the same rapid rate; (ii) intraintestinal blood did not augment the action of C. perfringens in the presence of ischemic strangulation; (iii) although some strains were more toxic than others, several food-poisoning strains were as rapidly fatal as the classical strains; and (iv) the massive amounts of gas produced by some of these strains probably led to the early rupture of the closed segments and rapid death of the animals. The secondary findings were that (i) the injection of C. perfringens into the lumen of the distal small intestine of the germ-free rat produced the typical lesions of pneumatosis cystoides intestinalis; and (ii) most of the strains of C. perfringens established themselves throughout the gastrointestinal tract of the unoperated germ-free rat.

Journal Article↗

Suffocation, choking, and strangulation in childhood in England and Wales: epidemiology and prevention.

The causes, classification, and prevention of mechanical asphyxial death in children were examined. The Office of Population Censuses and Surveys (OPCS) identified children, under 15 years of age, who had died as a result of choking, suffocation, or strangulation in England and Wales during the years 1990 and 1991. Cases in the International Classification of Diseases (ICD) codes of E911-3, E953, E963, and E983 were selected and case details from HM coroners' records and the death certificates were extracted. The OPCS identified 136 children (99 boys, 37 girls) in the two year period, 65% were under 3 years of age. The children were classified as dying from choking (21 cases), aspirating gastric contents (39 cases), suffocation (29 cases), strangulation (11 cases), and hanging (36 cases). The strangulation cases could be further subdivided into a group of 12 younger children who were suspended from ligatures around the home and a group of 21 boys (8-14 years) who died of self initiated hanging. Overall, 11 children were deliberately killed and 31 children died in beds or cots. Children whose deaths are classified as being due to aspiration of vomit appear to be cases of the sudden infant death syndrome or background medical conditions. This study suggests the need for advice on maintaining a safe sleeping environment. Only one child choked on a toy and European Standards for Toy Safety appear to have been successful. The prevention of hanging in the group of older boys needs further exploration.

Adolescent↗

Diverticulitis presenting as a strangulated inguinal hernia.

BACKGROUND/AIM: Inguinal hernia is a common diagnosis for patients presenting with a painful groin mass; other potentially dangerous diagnoses may mimic a groin hernia. We present 3 unusual cases of diverticulitis with perforation. The resulting abscess presented clinically as an atypical strangulated inguinal hernia. METHODS/RESULTS: From July 1, 1999, to June 30, 2000, 344 patients were admitted to the Johns Hopkins Bayview Medical Center with the diagnosis of diverticulitis. Of these patients, 44 (12.8%) required surgical intervention. We report here 3 cases in that academic year of diverticulitis complicated by perforation and abscess formation that presented as atypical strangulated inguinal hernias. In addition to being rare and difficult to diagnose, such cases illustrate that a tender inguinal mass may not represent a hernia. CONCLUSIONS: The diagnosis of strangulated inguinal hernias remains primarily one of clinical suspicion. Radiologic and laboratory studies should augment, not replace, one's clinical diagnosis. In addition, the differential diagnosis of inguinal masses is discussed.

Abdominal Abscess↗

Hemodynamic changes associated with strangulation obstruction in cats.

While changes in blood flow associated with simple intestinal obstruction have been studied extensively, little is known about blood flow changes associated with strangulation obstruction. Closed loop strangulation was produced in anesthetized cats by means of a baby pressure gasket. Intestinal blood flow was measured by transit time flowmetry. Blood pressure was measured in a carotid artery and in veins of a closed loop of small intestine. The gasket pressure was increased stepwise in 10 mm Hg increments after which the intestinal venous pressure was kept constant at 50 mm Hg for 5 h. Increasing gasket pressure was followed by a corresponding increase in venous pressure in the closed bowel loop. Blood flow in the closed loop decreased with increasing venous pressure and was closely related to the arteriovenous perfusion pressure under stepwise increase of the gasket pressure and during prolonged periods with increased venous pressure. At constant elevated venous pressure the intestinal blood flow was determined by the arterial pressure. The vascular resistance in the closed loop increased exponentially with increasing venous pressure and especially at very low blood flow. In conclusion, we have found that strangulation obstruction is associated with increased venous pressure in the closed loop which contributes to maintaining intestinal blood flow during the obstruction.

Animals↗

Delayed airway obstruction and neck abscess following manual strangulation injury.

Few reports describing manual strangulation injury to the neck are found in the otolaryngologic literature. Since most victims sustain immediate fatal asphyxiation, brain anoxia, or cardiac arrest, they are usually examined by a forensic pathologist. When strangulation attempts are nonfatal, neck injuries can lead to delayed airway obstruction. If not managed in a timely fashion, these injuries can be fatal or cause permanent laryngotracheal sequelae. We describe a patient who 36 hours following manual strangulation developed acute upper airway obstruction and neck abscess necessitating tracheotomy, neck exploration, and drainage. Patients suffering this unique type of compression injury may present initially with deceptively benign symptoms and signs. We discuss the overall management of these patients, stressing the need for early imaging studies, endoscopic assessment, and continued airway monitoring in an intensive care unit.

Abscess↗