[Congestive hemorrhage caused by burns?]

Phenomena occurring under exposure to heat such as epidural burn hematoma, hyperemia of the internal organs and extravasation of blood into the serous mucosae have been known for a long time. There has so far been less attention to an alteration which was recently observed in two burn corpses. These were punctiform hemorrhages in the conjunctivae as well as hemorrhages in the throat musculature which initially suggested application of force to the neck. After it could be established by usual investigations that the cases were suicides, an attempt was made to clarify the origin of these hemorrhages and the question of their vitality in animal experiments. To the extent that unequivocal results could be obtained, these indicated that the blood extravasations are vital phenomena which are associated with the still-intact circulation. However, differentiation between the action of third parties and extravasation of blood due to heat it difficult and can only be possible with the consideration of the overall circumstances in the individual case.