The lethal paraphiliac syndrome: accidental autoerotic deaths in four women and a review of the literature.

Four previously unpublished cases of female asphyxiophilia are presented. All women were found immobilised by obviously self-tied ropes, string or handcuffs. The women, who were alone at the time of death, died of a lethal paraphilia. The autopsies revealed asphyxiation as the cause of death, caused in two cases by suffocation as a result of hanging and strangulation and in the other two cases by plastic bags placed over the individuals head. In one case there was additional evidence at the scene that the deceased had inhaled ether. In none of the four cases was there any indication that the asphyxiation was due to homicide or suicide. Thus they can be described as accidental autoerotic deaths (AAD). The four cases closely mirror findings from scenes of male AADs, although autoerotic practices are generally believed to be rarer among females than in males.

[Fatal poisoning by the retard form of verapamil. Therapeutic considerations]. / Tödliche Vergiftung mit Verapamil in Retard-Form. Therapeutische Uberlegungen.

A 60-year-old woman swallowed 2.4 g verapamil in a retard form (Isoptin retard). Depsite intensive efforts she died 44 hours later in a coma due to circulatory collapse. In contrast to other reported cases of poisoning, the verapamil concentration in plasma continued to rise. This atypical course with continuing absorption of verapamil was due to small-intestinal deposits of the drug, found at autopsy.