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. 2023 Sep 1;44(3):240-244.
doi: 10.1097/PAF.0000000000000832. Epub 2023 May 15.

Postmortem Tanning: An Unusual Postmortem Event

Brailyn Weber  1 , Susan Roe, Mary Ann Sens
Affiliations

Postmortem Tanning: An Unusual Postmortem Event

Brailyn Weber et al. Am J Forensic Med Pathol. .

Abstract

A variety of changes, many predictable and others more aberrant, occur during the postmortem interval. A number of these changes are largely influenced by various environmental conditions. We describe 3 cases of an unusual postmortem change associated with prolonged sunlight exposure in both frozen and nonfrozen individuals. In each case, very well-delineated, dark tanning lines were present where clothing or another object blocked sunlight. This change appears distinct from mummification and scant literature references that describe a tanned skin transformation in cases associated with burials in high salt-containing bogs. Collectively, the cases highlight a novel postmortem phenomenon known as postmortem tanning. The potential mechanism(s) of this change is discussed within the context of known observations. Increased recognition and knowledge of postmortem tanning are exceedingly important in assessing how this change may assist in postmortem scene analysis.

Keywords: autopsy; bog body; forensic pathology; postmortem change; postmortem interval; postmortem tanning.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors report no conflict of interest.

Figures

FIGURE 1
FIGURE 1
Line of demarcation with tanned transformation above location of individual's jeans (case 1).
FIGURE 2
FIGURE 2
Brown pigment transformation of the decedent's torso and upper extremities (case 1).
FIGURE 3
FIGURE 3
Line of demarcation existing at the border of the individual's jeans and ankle socks (case 1).
FIGURE 4
FIGURE 4
Presence of a tag from decendent's jeans with evidence of postmortem tanning lines (case 1).
FIGURE 5
FIGURE 5
Positioning of individual and portion of exposed skin found on initial discovery (case 2).
FIGURE 6
FIGURE 6
Postmortem tanning in area where decedent's shirt/sweatshirt had shifted upwards (case 2).
FIGURE 7
FIGURE 7
Initial discovery of decedent at the scene, showing areas of exposed skin (case 3).
FIGURE 8
FIGURE 8
Postmortem tanning and associated well-delineated tanning lines over the legs and abdomen (case 3).
FIGURE 9
FIGURE 9
Well-demarcated tanning lines of the upper legs and ankles (case 3).
See this image and copyright information in PMC

References

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