Definition
Livor mortis (postmortem hypostasis) is the bluish-purple discoloration of the dependent parts of the body due to gravitational settling of blood after death.
Mechanism
- Death
- Circulation stops
- Blood settles in dependent vessels
- Livor mortis
Time Course
| Event | Time |
|---|---|
| Begins | 30 min–2 hours |
| Well developed | 4–6 hours |
| Fixed | 6–12 hours |
Distribution
Supine position
- Back
- Buttocks
- Back of limbs
Prone position
- Face
- Chest
- Abdomen
Colour Variations
| Colour | Cause |
|---|---|
| Bluish-purple | Ordinary death |
| Cherry red | Carbon monoxide poisoning |
| Bright red / Pink | Cyanide poisoning |
| Pink | Hypothermia |
| Deep brown | Nitrate poisoning |
Clinical
Medicolegal importance
- Helps estimate time since death.
- Indicates the position of the body after death.
- Indicates whether the body has been moved.
High Yield
The colour of hypostasis is a classic exam question: cherry red = CO poisoning; bright red/pink = cyanide; pink = hypothermia; deep brown = nitrate poisoning.