The Analysis and Interpretation of the Mechanisms and Signs of Asphyxiation in Cadavers: A Challenge for the Forensic Pathologist

Dear Colleagues,

Asphyxiology is the discipline of forensic medicine that deals with the study of the mechanisms underlying respiratory failure, with particular interest in violent mechanical asphyxias, i.e., asphyxias related to a mechanical cause through an obstructive or compressive means, generally being external. Asphyxias, therefore, include a vast category of instruments and dynamics, with diversified pathological mechanisms. It is also necessary to consider natural pathological causes, including infectious diseases of the respiratory system such as tuberculosis, or chronic pathologies such as emphysema or asthma. External signs of asphyxia include violaceous hypostases, the presence of petechiae related to alterations in arterial pressure control mechanisms and possibly signs associated with the neck, thorax or on the air orifices, where a violent manner of death occurred.

Undoubtedly, the study of asphyxia is very complex, since in many cases, external signs can be nuanced and not always clearly interpretable, for which the autopsy is essential. Furthermore, in many cases, even in the presence of external signs, the reconstruction of the dynamics can be very complex. The purpose of this Special Issue is to deepen the study of asphyxia in its different autopsy and clinical presentations. In this regard, research papers, including original articles, reviews and case series, concerning asphyxiology are welcome.

Dr. Matteo Antonio Sacco
Dr. Isabella Aquila
Guest Editors

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• asphyxia
• strangulation
• suffocation
• respiratory failure
• autopsy