title: Lichtenberg figures.
abstract: The majority of cutaneous injuries seen in victims struck by lightning are superficial and heal without sequelae. Common cutaneous findings associated with lightning strike include punctate full-thickness burns, linear charring, and contact burns from overlying metal objects. Branching or ferning marks are an uncommon and unusual cutaneous manifestation. These ferning patterns are called Lichtenberg figures. Similar-appearing electrical phenomena were first noted by an 18th-century physicist of the same name. A case report with review of the literature is presented. The histopathologic features of the figures are described for the first time.
authors.affiliation: Department of Dermatology and Cutaneous Surgery, University of Miami School of Medicine, FL, USA.
authors.forename: B I
authors.initials: BI
authors.lastname: Resnik
authors.forename: C V
authors.initials: CV
authors.lastname: Wetli
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D017809:Fatal Outcome; D006801:Humans; D015168:Lightning Injuries / Q000473:pathology*; D008297:Male; D012867:Skin / Q000293:injuries* / Q000473:pathology*