## Timeline of Livor Mortis Development **Key Point:** Livor mortis (post-mortem hypostasis) is the purple-red discoloration of dependent areas caused by gravitational settling of deoxygenated blood in capillaries after circulation ceases. ### Characteristic Timeline | Phase | Timeframe | Features | |-------|-----------|----------| | Appearance | 2–3 hours post-mortem | Faint purple-red discoloration in dependent areas | | Progressive darkening | 3–8 hours | Colour deepens; becomes more visible | | Maximum intensity | 8–12 hours | Full purple-red colour; blanching may still occur | | Fixed stage | 12+ hours | Becomes fixed; no blanching on pressure; RBC lysis occurs | **High-Yield:** The distinction between *appearing* (2–3 hours) and *maximum intensity* (8–12 hours) is a common exam trap. Early livor is faint and may be missed; it becomes unmistakable by 8–12 hours. **Clinical Pearl:** In cases of rapid cooling (e.g. immersion in cold water) or certain toxins (e.g. carbon monoxide poisoning), livor may appear earlier and be unusually bright cherry-red rather than purple. **Mnemonic:** **LM-2-3-8-12** — Livor Mortis appears in 2–3 hours, maximum by 8–12 hours.
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