Patozone

Hypothermia

 

Hypothermia refers to a core body temp below 95 F (35 C)

Often cherry red lividity is found at autopsy (but not specific – also seen in carbon monoxide  and cyanide deaths)

If death is not immediate, may develop:

Hemorrhagic pancreatitis

Erosions (ulcers) or focal hemorrhage of the GI tract

Particularly gastric ulcers (known as Wischnevsky’s) – have a leopard skin pattern

Pneumonia

ATN

Myocardial fiber necrosis/degeneration

 

Paradoxical undressing seen in 25% of cases, due to hallucinations and subjective feelings of warmth that occurs in the terminal stages of the process