Early Post Mortem Changes

Question 1

The brown coloration of the sclera called

Answer 1

Tache noire

Question 2

Which muscles is affected first by Rigor mortis

Answer 2

Small muscles (facial muscles)

Question 3

What is the different between Rigor mortis and Cadaveric regidity

Answer 3

Rigor mortis affect all muscles and start after few hours.
Cadaveric regidity affect only one part and start immediatly after death.

Question 4

Mention 3 differential diagnosis of Rigor mortis

Answer 4

1. Cold stiffness.
2. Heat stiffness.
3. Cadaveric spasm.

Question 5

Hypostasis indicate to [3]

Answer 5

1. Position.
2. Movement.
3. Cause of death.

Question 6

The color of hypostasis can give hint for the cause of death. Mention some examples:

Answer 6

1. cherry pink:CO poisoning.
2. pink: hypothermia.
3. deep pink: cynide poisoning.
4. brown: methemoglobinamia.
5. bronze: septicemia.

Question 7

When doesn’t hypostasis appear?

Answer 7

Dark people
Jaundice
Death from bleeding
Young and elderly patients
Anemic patients

Question 8

How do we know that a dead person has already entered the late changes of death?

Answer 8

When the stiffness goes away
Or rectum temperature goes low