Investigation of the skin lesions in lightning strike death

Baldino, Gennaro; Mondello, Cristina; Stassi, Chiara; Raffino, Cataldo; Vanin, Stefano; Spagnolo, Elvira Ventura

doi:10.1016/j.legalmed.2021.101896

Cited by 2 publications

(3 citation statements)

References 29 publications

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“…13,14 Lightning may also cause blunt force trauma, blast injuries, 14 and gunshot-like injuries. 15 The cutaneous signs of lightning depend on the mechanism of injury. Injuries caused by heat may include linear burns.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…16,17 The LFs generally appear in 1 h then gradually fade and disappear without a trace within 48 h. The LFs may be green, if putrified, 18 or maybe hyperpigmented. 15,19 They can sometimes remain visible for several days postmortem. [18][19][20] Because LFs are transient, the rescuers and physicians arriving at the scene should look for them and should take photographs for legal purposes.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Histologic skin findings include hemorrhage with coagulation necrosis in the deep and superficial dermis and flattening and congealing of the epidermis with the appearance of spikes on the surface. 15 The burn site may appear scorched with a singed smell. Body hair may also be charred.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

See 2 more Smart Citations

Lichtenberg Figures: How a Cutaneous Sign Can Solve Suspicious Death Cases

Manoubi

Gharbaoui

Allouche

2022

Wilderness & Environmental Medicine

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Lightning is a natural weather phenomenon that occurs most commonly during the summer months in the afternoon or early evening. Lightning strikes can cause accidental deaths. In developed countries, lightning fatalities occur almost exclusively outdoors. Deaths from lightning may be in remote places with no witnesses. Forensic pathologists may not be able to reach the scene of death because it is too hazardous or inaccessible. Bodies may have neither evidence of skin burns nor torn areas on their clothes. The presumption of accidental death may be difficult to prove. We present 3 cases in which neither the examination of the death scene nor the examination of the bodies by those who attested to the death were performed. The bodies were transported to the morgue for a forensic autopsy because the deaths were considered suspicious. Physicians who attest to death in open spaces during weather that could produce lightning should actively search for Lichtenberg figures, which are considered irrefutable proof of fatal lightning in such settings. They should also photograph them and submit them as evidence. Nevertheless, physicians should keep in mind that Lichtenberg figures are not considered pathognomonic of lightning because some skin manifestations may mimic them.

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