Question:
A doctor at autopsy noticed the following finding on a cadaver (image showing marbling -- greenish-black discolouration over superficial veins of the skin). Which of the following is true regarding this finding?
A doctor at autopsy noticed the following finding on a cadaver (image showing marbling -- greenish-black discolouration over superficial veins of the skin). Which of the following is true regarding this finding?
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Marbling follows the course of superficial veins due to a pigment formed by bacterial action on haemoglobin.
Updated On: Jun 23, 2026
- It is due to sulphaemoglobin pigment
- This change is seen at 24 hours
- It is non bacterial
- It is associated with lightning case
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The Correct Option is A
Solution and Explanation
Step 1: Identify the postmortem change. The image shows marbling -- a greenish-black or brownish discolouration following the course of superficial blood vessels, resembling the pattern of marble. It is a putrefactive change.
Step 2: Pathophysiology of marbling. Marbling is caused by haemolysis of red blood cells within superficial veins. The released haemoglobin is converted by H2S (produced by putrefactive bacteria) into sulphaemoglobin, which gives the characteristic greenish-black colour along the vessel walls. Thus, it IS bacterial in origin.
Step 3: Timing. Marbling begins internally at approximately 24 hours after death but becomes VISIBLE to the naked eye at 36--48 hours after death. Option B states 'seen at 24 hours' -- this is incorrect for naked-eye visibility.
Step 4: Evaluate all options.
A -- Due to sulphaemoglobin: CORRECT.
B -- Seen at 24 hours: Incorrect (visible at 36--48 hours).
C -- Non-bacterial: Incorrect (it is bacterial, caused by H2S from putrefactive bacteria).
D -- Associated with lightning: Incorrect (arborescent burns/Lichtenberg figures are seen in lightning, not marbling).
Step 5: Conclusion. Option A is correct.
Step 2: Pathophysiology of marbling. Marbling is caused by haemolysis of red blood cells within superficial veins. The released haemoglobin is converted by H2S (produced by putrefactive bacteria) into sulphaemoglobin, which gives the characteristic greenish-black colour along the vessel walls. Thus, it IS bacterial in origin.
Step 3: Timing. Marbling begins internally at approximately 24 hours after death but becomes VISIBLE to the naked eye at 36--48 hours after death. Option B states 'seen at 24 hours' -- this is incorrect for naked-eye visibility.
Step 4: Evaluate all options.
A -- Due to sulphaemoglobin: CORRECT.
B -- Seen at 24 hours: Incorrect (visible at 36--48 hours).
C -- Non-bacterial: Incorrect (it is bacterial, caused by H2S from putrefactive bacteria).
D -- Associated with lightning: Incorrect (arborescent burns/Lichtenberg figures are seen in lightning, not marbling).
Step 5: Conclusion. Option A is correct.
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