At autopsy following ingestion of carbolic acid, the stomach mucosa shows a hard, leathery, opaque white eschar. Which additional postmortem finding is classically associated with phenol poisoning?
- A Envelope-shaped crystals in renal tubules
- B Cherry-red color of blood and viscera
- C Greenish discoloration of the urine due to oxidation products of phenol ✓
- D Garlic-like odour of the viscera
Correct answer: C. Greenish discoloration of the urine due to oxidation products of phenol
Explanation
Phenol absorbed before death is excreted as hydroquinone and pyrocatechol conjugates, which on standing oxidize to quinones giving the urine a characteristic smoky green colour called carboluria, a classic autopsy clue. Cherry-red blood indicates carbon monoxide or cyanide, envelope-shaped crystals indicate oxalic acid, and garlic odour suggests arsenic or organophosphorus compounds, facts that kill all three distractors directly.
Reference: Parikh's Textbook of Medical Jurisprudence, Forensic Medicine and Toxicology, 7th ed.
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