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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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Why Did The Man's Face Turn Black After Death, Was Found Crumpled On Floor, On Stomach, With Head Up Against The Wall ?

Hi--I am an American. Also a nurse, living in saidi Arabia on a compound here. Medical care is questionable. An American man died at work yesterday and people who found him are questioning me why his face was so black when they found him, yet his hands, arms, etc were pale/bluish? They are wondering if that might be some kind of indicator as to the cause of death. He seemed fine one hour before--no complaints. They will not do autopsies here so they are just trying to see if the face color is typical Of a stroke or heart attack or something else. He was 49 years old and was found crumpled on the floor, on his stomach , with his head up against the wall. Any ideas? They seem most concerned by the black colored face and why.
Wed, 28 Aug 2013
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Addiction Medicine Specialist 's  Response
Hi,

The blackish discoloration is likely to be due to a phenomenon called "hypostasis" or "post-mortem lividity", in which blood collects in the dependent parts of the body after death. Since the man was found lying on his stomach, it is possible that his face was down and blood collected there. I am not aware of any other etiology that can cause specific discoloration of face.

Best wishes.
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Why Did The Man's Face Turn Black After Death, Was Found Crumpled On Floor, On Stomach, With Head Up Against The Wall ?

Hi, The blackish discoloration is likely to be due to a phenomenon called hypostasis or post-mortem lividity , in which blood collects in the dependent parts of the body after death. Since the man was found lying on his stomach, it is possible that his face was down and blood collected there. I am not aware of any other etiology that can cause specific discoloration of face. Best wishes.