A body found in a river shows skin peeling in large sheets, marbling of the skin, and a faint greenish discolouration over the abdomen. The face is bloated with gas. Which stage of decomposition is this MOST consistent with, and what is the estimated minimum postmortem interval in a temperate environment at 20°C?
- A Bloat/advanced decomposition; typically 3–7 days after death ✓
- B Early decomposition (putrefaction phase); approximately 12–24 hours
- C Active decomposition; 3–5 days
- D Skeletonisation phase; approximately 2–3 weeks
Explanation
Bloating with facial distension, skin slippage (epidermolysis), marbling (discolouration following superficial vessels due to haemolysis and gas), and abdominal discolouration all characterise the bloat/advanced decomposition stage. In an aquatic environment at temperate temperatures (~20°C), this stage typically occurs 3–7 days postmortem, though immersion slows surface decomposition compared to terrestrial exposure. The green abdominal discolouration typically appears within 24–48 hours, but the combination of bloating and skin slippage indicates more advanced decomposition.
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.