Wischnewsky spots

As Wischnewsky spots are hemorrhagic erosions of the stomach - and rarely the duodenal mucosa called that at a forensic autopsy at death from hypothermia point.

Macroscopy

During the autopsy, Wischnewsky spots appear as black, a few millimeters discoloration of the mucous membrane of the stomach and (rarely) duodenum . The color is due to the hematized hemoglobin that escapes with the blood through the damaged mucous membrane.

microscopy

When viewed microscopically, Wischnewsky spots appear as wedge-shaped necroses of the mucous membrane, with the glands still being vaguely visible. With the usual histological staining , these regions take on a brownish color.

Pathomechanism

The cause of the Wischnewsky spots has not yet been clarified in detail. It is assumed that cold-related restrictions of the microcirculation in the mucous membrane trigger the necrotic changes.

literature

• Madea, Dettmeyer: Basic knowledge of forensic medicine. Springer, Berlin 2007, ISBN 978-3-540-71428-6 .

This article is about a health issue. It is not used for self-diagnosis and does not replace a diagnosis by a doctor. Please note the information on health issues !