[Hemobilia--a contribution to vital reaction (author's transl)]

In 60 autopsies, with and without ante- or postmortem liver injuries bile was analyzed for its blood content, by UV-spectrophotometry. A microhemobilia was found in 20 cases and a visible macro-hemobilia in one case. The aetiology and pathogenesis of the hemobilia are discussed. If artefacts are taken into account, the two forms of hemobilia can be regarded as a vital reaction.