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Forensic Science, Medicine and Pathology
Published in: Forensic Science, Medicine and Pathology 1/2024

Open Access 09-03-2023 | Ptosis | Review

The “facie sympathique” sign in hanging: historical background, forensic review, and perspectives

Authors: Daniela Marchetti, Luca Santoro, Giulia Mercuri

Published in: Forensic Science, Medicine and Pathology | Issue 1/2024

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Abstract

The “facie sympathique” is a vital sign first described by Etienne Martin in 1899 referring to unilateral miosis, with or without ptosis, at the opposite side from the knot in hanging. This mark is scarcely reported in legal medicine textbooks and scientific papers. Moreover, when cited, it is referred to differently from its original meaning, both as unilateral contraction (miosis) and dilatation (mydriasis) of the pupil depending on the antemortem firmness of the ligature’s neck pressure in hanging with little attention to ptosis. Due to the sympathetic nervous pathway supplying the eye, the review of this ocular sign in hanging supports the importance of revitalizing the “facie sympathique” in research on lesion vitality in mechanical asphyxia.
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Metadata
Title
The “facie sympathique” sign in hanging: historical background, forensic review, and perspectives
Authors
Daniela Marchetti
Luca Santoro
Giulia Mercuri
Publication date
09-03-2023
Publisher
Springer US
Keyword
Ptosis
Published in
Forensic Science, Medicine and Pathology / Issue 1/2024
Print ISSN: 1547-769X
Electronic ISSN: 1556-2891
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s12024-023-00603-8

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