In hanging, the classical sign 'Tardieu spots' are best described as:

• A Subconjunctival haemorrhages visible as bright-red spots in the conjunctiva
• B Petechial haemorrhages on the parietal pleura and epicardium due to asphyxia ✓
• C Ecchymotic areas at the angle of the ligature mark
• D Haemorrhage within the cervical muscles around the trachea

Explanation

Tardieu spots (named after A.A. Tardieu, 1855) are pinpoint petechial haemorrhages found on the visceral surfaces — particularly on the parietal and visceral pleura, pericardium, and epicardium — and are produced by sudden and marked rise in venous pressure during asphyxia, causing capillary rupture. They are a classic sign of asphyxia but are not pathognomonic of any single method. Subconjunctival haemorrhages are also common in asphyxial deaths but are correctly termed conjunctival or scleral petechiae, not Tardieu spots.

Reference: The Essentials of Forensic Medicine and Toxicology (Narayan Reddy), 34th ed.

High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP

Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.