Ventricular fibrillation as initial rhythm in pediatric cardiac arrest by suicidal hanging

Case report: Electrocardiographic (ECG) recording during the hanging process

A 48-year-old woman was found hanged in the bathroom. She was wearing a Holter monitor, which was later analysed by a cardiologist. During autopsy, findings congruent with atypical hanging were collected. The ECG showed a 20 s asystole and four minutes later bradycardia, which progressed to a second-degree AV-block Mobitz I, then Mobitz II, then to a third-degree AV-block. Finally, only P waves could be observed, before heart action ceased. This is one of few cases reporting ECG-changes during hanging and might give further insight into the complex pathophysiology of this type of death.

Hanging and near hanging in children: injury patterns and a clinical approach to early management

Near hanging refers to survival following suspension by the neck. This is a devastating injury which can lead to mortality or serious long-term morbidity. Children and young people present to emergency departments following accidental or deliberate near hanging. This article describes the patterns of injury, the initial management and important prognostic factors.