Simon's sign: Case report and review of the literature

Abstract

Hanging is a common method of suicide and multiple autopsy findings can be observed at the postmortem examination. Simon's sign is a haemorrhage into the anterior aspect of the intervertebral discs of the lumbar region that can be observed in hangings and other traumatic causes of death. This finding is considered evidence of vitality. Several mechanisms have been proposed regarding bleeding development. In this paper, we present a case of hanging in which Simon's sign was observed at the autopsy. A review of the literature regarding Simon's bleeding has been performed, and a discussion of the potential mechanism is reported. Although Simon's sign may be observed in hangings, a careful evaluation of all the available data, including investigation, autopsy findings, and toxicology, is mandatory to avoid misinterpretation of death's cause and manner.

Keywords: Forensic pathology; Simon’s bleeding; anterior ligament; hanging; intervertebral discs.