A contusion on the chest of a 45-year-old victim is noted at autopsy to be yellowish-brown in color. The estimated age of this bruise is approximately:

• A 12 to 24 hours
• B 2 to 3 days
• C 4 to 5 days
• D 6 to 7 days ✓

Explanation

Bruise color changes progress as: red/purple at 12 to 24 hours, blue/purple at 1 to 3 days, green at 4 to 5 days, brown at 6 to 7 days, and resolution by 1 to 3 weeks. Yellowish-brown indicates hemosiderin and hematoidin breakdown products, seen around 6 to 7 days. Green at 4 to 5 days represents biliverdin formation before the brown stage.

Reference: Practical Forensic Medicine, 3rd ed.

High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP

Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.