Wischnewsky's spots in an ectopic stomach

• Published in: Forensic science international Vol. 169; no. 2; pp. 220 - 222
• Main Authors: Preuβ, J, Thierauf, A, Dettmeyer, R, Madea, B
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Kidlington Elsevier 04.07.2007; Elsevier Limited
• Subjects: Aged, 80 and over; Biological and medical sciences; Coronary Stenosis - pathology; Female; Forehead - injuries; Forensic medicine; Forensic Pathology; Forensic sciences; Gastric Mucosa - pathology; General aspects; Humans; Hypothermia - diagnosis; Investigative techniques, diagnostic techniques (general aspects); Medical sciences; Pathology; Public health. Hygiene; Public health. Hygiene-occupational medicine; Ectopic stomach; Wischnewsky's spots; Hypothermia; Stomach; Forensic science; Digestive system; Legal medicine; Forensic aspect; Ectopia
• ISSN: 0379-0738; 1872-6283
• DOI: 10.1016/j.forsciint.2006.03.007

Abstract Wischnewsky's spots in the mucosa of the stomach have been a well-known sign of death due to hypothermia for many years. Furthermore it is reported that those spots can rarely be found in the esophagus as well. We now report on a case concerning a 93-year-old woman who presented an ectopic stomach with erosions of the mucosa in the intrathoracic part of the stomach that were assessed as Wischnewsky's spots. When she was found dead in her flat, she was completely undressed and showed an injury to the head. The autopsy findings are presented and discussed in view of a possible genesis and pathophysiology of Wischnewsky's spots.