At autopsy of a victim of suicidal hanging, which of the following is NOT typically found?
- A Pale, bloodless face (pallor)
- B Pale face with cyanosis of lips ✓
- C Tardieu's spots (petechial haemorrhages) in conjunctiva
- D Ligature mark above the thyroid cartilage
Correct answer: B. Pale face with cyanosis of lips
Explanation
In typical suicidal hanging the face is usually pale and bloodless because the ligature compresses both carotid arteries interrupting arterial inflow, preventing venous congestion. Tardieu's spots (subconjunctival and subpleural petechiae) are less common in hanging compared to strangulation. Cyanosis of the face with congestion is more characteristic of throttling or ligature strangulation, not typical hanging.
Reference: The Essentials of Forensic Medicine and Toxicology (Narayan Reddy), 34th ed.
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Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.