Electrocutions: apport de l'examen anatomopathologique. À propos de deux cas [Electrocutions: Contribution of histopathological examination. Report of two cases]

Details

Serval ID
serval:BIB_2C46E8AFA81E
Type
Article: article from journal or magazin.
Publication sub-type
Case report (case report): feedback on an observation with a short commentary.
Collection
Publications
Title
Electrocutions: apport de l'examen anatomopathologique. À propos de deux cas [Electrocutions: Contribution of histopathological examination. Report of two cases]
Journal
La Revue de Médecine Légale
Author(s)
Franchet C., Savall F., Guilbeau-Frugier C., Dedouit F., Telmon N., Delisle MB, Rougé D.
ISSN
1878-6529
ISSN-L
1878-6529
Publication state
Published
Issued date
2013
Peer-reviewed
Oui
Volume
4
Number
2
Pages
97-102
Language
french
Abstract
Electrocution is an uncommon cause of death. Few articles describe histopathological
findings in deaths by electrocution. We reporttwo cases of electrocution, which appeared
different for both clinical aspects and final conclusions. For each case, autopsical and histopathological
findings are described. Furthermore, the contribution of histological results to the
medico-legal purpose is discussed. First case concerned a woman who was found lying near a
380 volts bare electric cable. The autopsy found pulmonary lesions suggesting asphyxia and
several skin burns consistent with electrical burns. Microscopic examination confirmed mechanical
asphyxia syndrome and observed signs of cutaneous burns with skin metallization. The skin
metallization confirmed direct contact with the electric cable. The mechanical asphyxia
syndrome was suggestive of respiratory spasms in the context of a ''blue electrocuted''. The
second case concerned a young man whose ladder fell against a power line carrying 20,000 volts.
He was given emergency treatment, and then was sent to the hospital, where he died. The
autopsy found electric current marks on the upper and the lower limbs. The pathological
examination found an ischemic and hemorrhagic aspect of the heart with features of ventricular
fibrillation. In both cases, the histopathological examination provided some information, which,
added to the accident investigation data and the autopsy findings, permitted to propose some
hypothesis about mechanism of death by electrocution shock.
Keywords
Electrocution, Asphyxia, Ventricular fibrillation, Electrical burn, Skin metallization
Create date
12/01/2016 15:57
Last modification date
20/08/2019 14:11
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