Electric Desk

Domestic accidents account for a significant proportion of accidental deaths. We describe, for the first time, fatal mechanical asphyxiation caused by an electric desk in a 26-year-old man. Forensic autopsy, including toxicological analysis, was performed. Blood and urine samples were analyzed for drugs, narcotics, and alcohol. From an autopsy perspective, we primarily observed pale, shape-defined skin imprints accentuated by cervicofacial congestion and livor mortis. No significant pathologic conditions were found, particularly cardiac conditions. Toxicologically, the absence of identifiable narcotics or medications confirmed that the victim was not influenced by substances that could impair alertness or consciousness. The direct cause of death was acute mechanical asphyxia due to atypical external neck compression, which was consistent with the mechanical action of a height-adjustable electric desk at this anatomic site. Because the electric desk was equipped with an upward and downward anticollision system, it can be assumed that this feature was disabled by the victim, and suicide, therefore, cannot be ruled out. We present the first case of lethal mechanical asphyxia caused by an electric desk that occurred without the concomitant use of narcotics and/or medications impairing alertness in a young man with no significant pathologic conditions.