At autopsy of a drowning victim, small, dark, irregular subpleural hemorrhages are noted within the lung parenchyma itself, distinct from the typical petechial Tardieu spots found on organ surfaces. What are these specific intrapulmonary hemorrhages called?

• A Rokitansky's nodes
• B Simon's hemorrhages
• C Nersessian's spots
• D Paltauf's hemorrhages ✓

Explanation

Paltauf's hemorrhages are small, dark, irregular subpleural hemorrhages found within the lung parenchyma of drowning victims. They result from rupture of alveolar walls due to increased pressure during forced respiratory efforts in water. They differ from Tardieu spots, which are typically petechial and found on the surface of organs. Rokitansky's nodes refer to renal changes, and Simon's hemorrhages are seen in the intervertebral discs in hanging.

Reference: Reddy's The Essentials of Forensic Medicine and Toxicology, 34th ed.

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