Citation

Wollenek G, Dietl H, Denk W, Laufer G. Z. Rechtsmed. 1989; 102(7): 473-486.

Vernacular Title

Ein Grenzzonenphänomen an der Haut im Badewannenwasser liegender Leichen.

Affiliation

2. Chirurgische Universitätsklinik Wien, Osterreich.

Copyright

(Copyright © 1989, Holtzbrinck Springer Nature Publishing Group)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

2763721

Abstract

In three cases a phenomenon is reported, seen on the skin of bodies found dead after a longer time of lying in bathtubs filled with water. The sign was parallel to the surface of the water and showed a breadth up to about 1 cm. Contrary to the surrounding skin, the mark was characterized by paleness and clearly les distinct formation of postmortem alterations as put-refaction. Searching for an explanation, temperature measurements were performed in model. The results showed the marginal paleness of the skin to be a thermal phase transition phenomenon. This mark has a forensic message too: it demonstrates a longer remaining of the corpse in the corresponding position, is a statement concerning the high of the water level, and allows a reconstruction of the original situation after manipulation, but is no sign of vital reaction.

Language: de