Retrospective Analysis of Hanging Cases Between 2016 and 2020 in Urban India

Background: Death by hanging is a vital health hazard worldwide; it is classified as violent mechanical deaths resulting from asphyxia. The manner of death in hanging is suicide in the majority of the cases, and accidental hanging is less common, and homicidal hanging is still less common. The study was aimed towards analyzing sociodemographic patterns, precipitating factors for committing hanging at Vijayanagar Institute of Medical Sciences (VIMS), Ballari, India.Methods: A retrospective study was conducted at the mortuary of VIMS, Ballari, Karnataka, India. From January 01, 2016, to December 31, 2020, 356 alleged hanging cases were brought to the mortuary for postmortem examination, and the cause of death was attributed to hanging. The necessary data were collected with the help of history, inquest reports, meticulous postmortem examination, etc. The results were obtained after tabulating and data analyzed with a cross-sectional study.Results: Of 356 cases of hanging, the majority of the cases were in the age group of 31-40 years (140 patients; i.e., 39.32%). Male preponderance was detected in 235(66%) cases, and most victims have married 199(56%) subjects. Concerning seasonal variation, we noted that the maximum number of suicides by hanging was reported in July to September 141(39.60%). Out of 356 hanging cases, 178(50%) were employed. The predisposing factor was Chronic illness in 136(38.20 %) cases, followed by financial stress and psychological problems in 120(33.70%) and 50(14.04%) cases, respectively. Most of the victims belonged to the Hindu religion, 290(82%) cases. Moreover, 320(90%) of cases had no suicide note.Conclusion: Hanging is challenging to prevent due to numerous concomitant factors, but psychological counseling, economic support, and education can reduce the incidence of hanging

Angiomatoid fibrous histiocytoma

Angiomatoid fibrous histiocytoma[AFH] is a rare soft tissue tumour most commonly occurring in children, adolescents, and young adults. It is considered to be a tumour of intermediate malignancy because of its less aggressive course in contrast to conventional malignant fibrous histiocytoma[MFH]. It accounts for approximately 0.3% of soft-tissue neoplasms. The majority of cases occur in the extremities, are slow growing and are typically painless. We report a case of AFH on the scalp of a 40-year old man, locally recurring within two years of the original operation. AFH is a rare condition with the potential of local recurrence and metastasis. It should be considered in the differential diagnosis of a soft tissue mass in a child or adolescent