The cases described are atypical on the basis of three factors: the nature of the autoerotic activity, the cause of death, and the relationship between these factors. The death causes in the 12 cases were cardiovascular disease (4), fluorocarbon inhalation (3), aspiration (2), oral ingestion of volatile nitrites (1), exposure (1), and undetermined (1). The deaths were caused by the aforementioned factors in the course of autoerotic experiences constructed by decedents. In cases involving fluorocarbon inhalation and the ingestion of volatile nitrites, the decedents apparently intended to heighten their autoerotic experience with these chemical substances that caused their deaths. The aspiration cases, which involved blockage of the breathing passages of the decedents, resulted from vomit that resulted from decedent-induced asphyxiation intended to heighten the autoerotic experience. Deaths from cardiovascular disease were the result of stress occasioned by the autoerotic experiences, and the case of death from exposure resulted when the decedent was unable to free himself from a self-constructed bondage position outdoors in harsh weather. The cases illustrate the complex relationships between the nature of the self-injurious autoerotic activity and the cause of death. 43 references.