Forensic Friday, May 22, 2026
Today we will see an image from autopsy, but even the squeamish should be able to handle this one since it is from an external examination. Please observe this middle aged female who was found dead in her home, which was very unkempt. Mail had filled her mailbox. Her pets had not been fed.
1. What is the specific name for this sign? (Admittedly, this is a bit advanced, so don’t worry if you don’t know it. This is certainly a ‘board exam’ type question.)
2. What is the most likely underlying explanation / etiology for the finding we see here? (You can even just list what your cause of death might be—it is 100% related to what we see here).
I must tell you that I am traveling for the next several days, and although I will schedule a ‘solution post’ ahead of time that will come out on Saturday, I will not be able to respond to any questions or statements until after I return mid to late next week. As an aside, I’m not exactly thrilled to be leaving since I take 4 flights, all of which are international, right in the middle of the Andes virus / Ebola stuff that’s happening right now. If I hadn’t scheduled this trip a long time ago, I would have cancelled it.
At any rate, thanks in advance for participating and I will go back to the posts and try to answer you after I return.
—DLW
This was originally supposed to go out on Friday morning (I'm packing for a trip), and the solution post is scheduled for Saturday. Thank you.
Okay. I don’t think this is correct bc the ecchymosis isn’t exactly right…but Grey Turner sign? From acute necrotizing pancreatitis. However I don’t know how anyone with that would not call 911 for help bf they died of it!
And I’m guessing the spot on her lower back is related… I know Cullen Sign appears around the umbilicus…but maybe it can appear posteriorly too?!?
It’s looks only like livermortis, but I know that’s too easy.
My other guess would be ecchymosis from a AAA. Can’t wait for the answer. Travel safely!