Injuries: hypothermia, Wischnewski spots: practice question

A Forensic Medicine question in the style of the NEET PG paper. Answer it first, then read why the right option is right and why each of the others is wrong.

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Forensic Medicine · Injuries: hypothermia, Wischnewski spots

Sample item

An elderly man is found dead in a cold hill hut, partially undressed and huddled in a corner. At autopsy, the gastric mucosa shows multiple small dark brown erosions. These are called:

Original practice item, not a recalled exam question. Nothing here is recorded.

The answer and the reasoning

C. Wischnewski spots

In death from hypothermia, scattered dark brown to black erosions of the gastric mucosa, called Wischnewski spots, are a characteristic finding. Paradoxical undressing and the hide-and-die behaviour of seeking a confined space are other clues. Pink hypostasis is also common.

Option by option

  • A. Tardieu spots

    Tardieu spots are petechiae under serous membranes in asphyxial deaths.

  • B. Paltauf haemorrhages

    Paltauf haemorrhages are large subpleural bleeds seen in drowning.

  • C. Wischnewski spots (correct)

    Correct. Gastric erosions in cold exposure are Wischnewski spots.

  • D. Curling ulcers

    Curling ulcers are duodenal or gastric ulcers after severe burns.

Source note: Original NextPrep sample item — pending expert review. This item is original practice material awaiting independent expert review, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.

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Questions about this Forensic Medicine question

What is the answer to this Forensic Medicine question?

The best answer is C, Wischnewski spots. In death from hypothermia, scattered dark brown to black erosions of the gastric mucosa, called Wischnewski spots, are a characteristic finding.

Why is "Tardieu spots" not the answer?

Tardieu spots are petechiae under serous membranes in asphyxial deaths.

Why is "Paltauf haemorrhages" not the answer?

Paltauf haemorrhages are large subpleural bleeds seen in drowning.

Why is "Curling ulcers" not the answer?

Curling ulcers are duodenal or gastric ulcers after severe burns.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Injuries: hypothermia, Wischnewski spots in Forensic Medicine. Paradoxical undressing and the hide-and-die behaviour of seeking a confined space are other clues. Pink hypostasis is also common.

How hard is this question?

We tag it as an application question: it asks you to use a fact on a patient or a finding. The tag is our own editorial judgement, not an official difficulty rating, so read the reason for every option, not only the answer.

How should I study Injuries: hypothermia, Wischnewski spots?

Learn postmortem changes with their timelines, and toxicology as poison, sign, test and antidote. Then use the flashcards and the other Forensic Medicine questions on this site to test what stuck.

Is this a real NEET PG question?

No. It is an original practice item (editorial status: sample, version 1). NextPrep does not publish recalled or leaked questions, and independent faculty review of this item has not been completed yet, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.