A petechial hemorrhage causes markings known as petechiae - small hemorrhages close to the skin. Or, in the case of the eye, petechiae may be on either the bulb of the eye, or on the lids, or both. They are tiny red to purple spots. Petechiae may also be found on the face, especially the forehead.
Why does petechial hemorrhaging appear in the eyes?
Often due to asphyxia. When a victim is being strangled or suffocated and they try to breathe, increased intravascular pressure causes the small end vessels of the capillaries to rupture. They are not often found in suicidal hanging. Petechiae are not specific for asphyxiation and may occur in sudden natural death.
Source: Visible Proof (disturbing images)
Color Atlas of Forensic Pathology. J. Dix (CRC, 2000) WW
Clarissa - Thanks, as always, for this incredibly useful information! It really makes a novel better when the clues come from real things like...haemorrhages from asphyxia.
ReplyDeleteInteresting! I'll have to remember that.
ReplyDeleteHmmm... interesting.
ReplyDeleteOne day I'm going to have to write a mystery with all this information that you gave.
:-)
I always learn something cool here!
ReplyDeleteHmm...interesting. If I was watching a crime show, the terminology would go over my head. You could name it after your uncle and I'd be impressed...lol! In a book though, I do want little details like that. I'll pay more attention next time. :)
ReplyDeleteHi, Clarissa,
ReplyDeleteI love all this crime stuff.
So different from what I write, but I love the info .... you never know when it comes in handy.
Michael
I don't really watch those shows on telly. There are so many I wouldn't know where to start! They all look the same. But your posts are much more interesting, informative and original. Thanks.
ReplyDeleteInteresting! Now I know!
ReplyDeleteI swear I learn so much from your blog. I LOVE it. Soon as in a couple of years I want to write a murder mystery and I know I'll be able to use this stuff. Thanks
ReplyDeleteOh, that is useful. Does it not happen in hanging because of the quickness or snapping of something?
ReplyDeleteSo...is that PETECHIAL HEMORRHAGING I see in my eyes the morning after a long night of heavy drinking and very little sleep? :)
ReplyDeleteI'm kinda glad you didn't illustrate this one with a pic, Clarissa :)
ReplyDeleteOdd that it's not seen in suicides.
ReplyDeleteOh my goodness. I can't even pronounce this term properly but it sounds so horrible!!! But it's interesting that even the appearance of such a thing may not mean there was aphyxiation or even foul play as this may occur naturally too. How interesting!! Thanks lovely Clarissa! Take care
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Ha, I learn something new every day. Thanks for the cool info :)
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