[Hypostasis-induced changes in the breast area]

When the anterior thoracic wall is within the hypostatic area, postmortem lividity in the region of the nipples and their immediate vicinity is less intense or absent. Where hypostatic skin haemorrhages (so-called vibices) are present, these are also found outside the areola of the nipple only. This phenomenon is visible not only externally, but is particularly pronounced on the cut surface. A possible explanation may be the different distribution pattern of connective tissue, smooth muscles and blood vessels inside and outside the areola mammae. Based on 13 cases from the forensic autopsy material--mostly drug related deaths--the macromorphological findings and their histological correlates are presented.