Perimortal artifacts. Differential diagnoses during external examination of the corpse and autopsy

In routine postmortem examination of corpses doctors are often confronted with findings the origin of which is not immediately clear. Some of these findings result from interventions by lay rescuers, paramedics, rescue personnel, morticians and previous postmortem examinations. The origins of these external and internal changes of the body are often not recognized at first glance. Based on personal experience and literature searches perimortem artefacts were compiled and evaluated in terms of their importance for the external examination and the autopsy. The objective was not a complete collection but a selection of typical perimortem changes and differential diagnoses.