title: [Pathomorphological constellation in death resulting from high voltage electricity].
abstract: Between 1968 and 1977 in Austria 38.6 per cent of all deaths due to electricity were caused by high voltages (in the decade before only 23.5 per cent). Victims are mostly middle-aged men. Three of four victims still die on the scene of accident. Based on 16 cases of fatal high tension electrocution some autopsy findings are discussed from the medico-legal point of view. One of four cases showed entrance and exit points of current resembling "typical" electric marks (as they are known from exposure to domestic voltages). In one case the marks produced by a 20,000 volts overhead-supply were so small that they have been overlooked by the medical examiner. Half the bodies exhibited major surface burns from involvement in electric arcs. About one third of the fatal accidents was accompanied by secondary mechanical traumas. Asphyxial findings (petechial hemorrhages in the eyelids and conjunctivae, as well as under the pleura and the epicardium, etc.) were noticed in two cases. Such unspecific signs of suffocation also are met, if death is caused by domestic voltages (in our material the frequency amounts to 13 per cent). One case-study deals with special morphological findings after long-time exposure to high tension electricity: besides charrings and severance of limbs also fat and gas embolism into the right ventricle (due to local tissue heating) was observed. By emission spectroscopy of residues on the copper wire calcium and phosphorus originating from melted bones could be detected.
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D004556:Electric Injuries / Q000473:pathology*; D005260:Female; D005554:Forensic Medicine; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012867:Skin / Q000473:pathology
vernacular_title: Pathomorphologische Befundkonstellationen beim Tod durch hochgespannten elektrischen Strom.