[Pathology of accidental electrocution: an autopsy study of 16 cases].
OBJECTIVE
To study the pathologic findings seen in lethal cases due to accidental electrocution.


METHODS
The macroscopic and microscopic findings in 16 autopsy cases died of electrocution encountered during the period from January, 2001 to July, 2008 were retrospectively reviewed.


RESULTS
Typical electric marks were found on gross examination in 5 of the 16 cases studied. Histologically, 11 of the 16 cases showed evidence of electric burn. The morphologic features of atypical electric marks varied. Simple epidermal exfoliation and color changes were relatively common. Pathologic changes in internal viscera included disarray of myocardial fibers. Rupture of myocardial fibers was readily identified than in non-electrocution death. Sometimes, focal interstitial hemorrhage and polarization of endothelial cells were seen.


CONCLUSIONS
The electric marks on the skin, as confirmed by histologic examination, remain important sequelae of electrocution. The pathologic changes seen in myocardium provide additional clues to the diagnosis.
Department of Pathology, Guangdong Medical College, Zhanjiang 524023, China. jim0120424@21cn.com
Bo-Tao
BT
Luo
Ying-Hai
YH
Zhao
Xiao-Yi
XY
Chen
Han-Guo
HG
Jiang
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D001344:Autopsy; D002058:Burns, Electric / Q000473:pathology; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D004556:Electric Injuries / Q000473:pathology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009206:Myocardium / Q000473:pathology; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012867:Skin / Q000473:pathology*; D055815:Young Adult