FORENSIC SIGNIFICANCE OF SUBCONJUNCTIVAL PETECHIAE

Abstract

The significance of petechiae and subconjunctival haemorrhages has much evolved since the description of A.
Tardieux in 1855: from essentially asphyxial in nature
(and often criminal) to a pure mechanical etiology (and
sometimes harmless). We present a clinical case which is
relatively frequent in general clinical practice (fish bone
inhalation in infancy). The forensic physician must also
take in consideration the relatively recent practice of choking
games in infants and adolescents.