Wischnewski Spots
Definition
Small, haemorrhagic, oval erosions at the tips of the gastric rugal folds. The most specific autopsy finding in hypothermia, present in 56-85% of confirmed cold-exposure deaths. Distinguished from post-mortem artefactual erosion by intact surrounding mucosa and well-defined margins.
- Location
- Tips of gastric rugal folds
- Appearance
- Small haemorrhagic oval erosions
- Prevalence in confirmed cases
- Present in 56-85% of cold-exposure deaths
- Distinguishing feature
- Intact surrounding mucosa, well-defined margins
Common questions
Why can't Wischnewski spots be used alone to confirm hypothermia as cause of death?+
Because they are not present in every confirmed case, an absence does not rule out hypothermia, and the finding must be interpreted alongside scene circumstances, core temperature history, and other autopsy findings rather than treated as a stand-alone diagnostic marker.
How does a pathologist rule out post-mortem artefact when examining these lesions?+
Genuine Wischnewski spots show intact mucosa around the erosion with sharply defined margins, whereas artefactual autolytic change tends to show more diffuse, ragged tissue breakdown without that same well-demarcated, haemorrhagic appearance.
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