Two cases of lightning strikes resulting in Lichtenberg figures

Ocak, Tarık; Duran, Arif; Tekelioğlu, Ümit Yaşar; Demırhan, Abdullah; Bekdaş, Mervan; Çetin, Ayşe

doi:10.1016/j.dsi.2013.02.003

Cited by 1 publication

(1 citation statement)

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“…[15] It is estimated that "Lichtenberg figures" may occur due to erythrocyte flow to the superficial skin layer in capillaries through the electrical deterioration and electric flux density on the skin. [25] Blumenthal reported that none of the 38 cases who died due to lightning strike had a lichtenberg figure at autopsy. [15] In New Mexico study, only 11.1% (6/54) of the cases were reported to have "Lichtenberg figure".…”

Section: Skin Lesionsmentioning

confidence: 99%

İstanbul’da 2007-2012 Yillari Arasinda Yildirim Çarpmasina Bağli Ölümler

Hösükler

Melez

et al. 2021

Journal of Contemporary Medicine

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Objective: Lightning injuries can cause a variety of injuries including “integumentary system, cardiac system, central nervous system, eyes and ears, and blunt trauma”, in which some of them may cause death. In this study, it was aimed to evaluate crime scene findings, autopsy findings and histopathological findings by presenting 9 cases that died due to lightning strike. Material and Methods: The 9 cases (0.3%) included this study were obtained from the screening of a total 24.755 cases that were performed autopsy at the Council of Forensic Medicine, Istanbul between 2007 – 2012. All cases’ age, gender, crime scene, circumstances during the event, witness statement, skin lession, autopsy findings, histopathological findings were evaluated. Results: Three (33.3%) cases were female and six (66.7%)cases were male, and the mean age was 39,66±13,36 (min:18, max:56). Fatal lightning strike occurred between April and September, but mostly in May. At autopsy, an external examination was revealed an electrical exit wound in 4 cases, burn areas on the skin in 5 cases, a Lichtenberg figure on the skin in 2 cases, and a burn in the hair surface in 4 cases. Conclusion: As a result, nonspecific findings are frequently detected in autopsies performed due to lightning strikes. However, crime scene investigation and the testimony of the witness may be the crucial indicative evidence for forensic investigators in getting an accurate diagnosis in cases of suspected lightning strikes. In addition, examining the clothes worn by victims provides important clues in diagnosis.

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Section: Skin Lesionsmentioning

confidence: 99%