INI-CET 2006

Question 1: A dead body is having cadaveric lividity of bluish green color. The most likely cause of death is by poisoning due to:

• A. Hydrogen sulfide (Correct Answer)
• B. Hydrocyanic acid
• C. Oleander
• D. Sodium nitrite

Explanation: ***Hydrogen sulfide*** - **Hydrogen sulfide poisoning** classically causes a **bluish-green cadaveric lividity** due to the formation of sulfhemoglobin. - This distinct discoloration is a key indicator often noted during post-mortem examination in cases of hydrogen sulfide exposure. *Hydrocyanic acid* - **Hydrocyanic acid poisoning** typically leads to a **cherry-red lividity** due to the inhibition of cytochrome oxidase, preventing tissue oxygen utilization, which is different from the bluish-green color described. - The bright red color results from the persistence of oxygenated hemoglobin in the venous blood. *Oleander* - **Oleander poisoning** affects the heart, causing **cardiac arrhythmias** and bradycardia, but does not typically produce a characteristic or distinct cadaveric discoloration like the bluish-green hue. - Lividity would generally be a more typical reddish-purple, consistent with simple hypostasis. *Sodium nitrite* - **Sodium nitrite poisoning** causes **methemoglobinemia**, leading to a characteristic **chocolate-brown or grayish-blue lividity** due to the oxidation of hemoglobin, which differs from the specific bluish-green described. - This change is due to the formation of methemoglobin, which cannot carry oxygen effectively.