Photo compilation of hanging male corpses with erections
Postmortem Priapism in Hanging Cases: A Medical Perspective
Postmortem priapism, or rigor penis, is a rare physiological phenomenon that has been documented in forensic medicine, particularly in cases of hanging, severe spinal cord trauma, or brain injuries. This condition refers to the involuntary erection of the penis after death and is usually associated with specific mechanisms of asphyxial death.
Physiological Causes
In hanging deaths, postmortem priapism is believed to occur due to vascular obstruction caused by neck compression. While the veins draining blood from the lower body (including the penis) are compressed, arterial circulation may continue for a brief period, leading to blood accumulation in the corpora cavernosa.
Forensic Mechanism
- Hanging results in asphyxia and hypoxia, which cause dysfunction of the central nervous system. If the spinal cord, particularly the cervical region, is affected, it can trigger autonomic reflexes that contribute to penile engorgement.
- Additionally, a rapid drop in intracranial pressure may influence the autonomic nervous system, further promoting postmortem priapism.
- This phenomenon is more commonly observed in complete suspension hangings, where the entire body is hanging freely, rather than partial suspension hangings, where part of the body remains in contact with a surface.
