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Abstract
Following a witnessed lethal lightning strike of an adult male who was standing outside in a storm, numerous Lichtenberg figures were identified upon external examination of the body. Sectioning across multiple areas of linear erythema in the figures showed no subcutaneous hemorrhage. This was later confirmed on histology which showed only subtle dermal capillary dilatation with no interstitial hemorrhage or inflammation in these areas. The only areas of interstitial hemorrhage were present in adjacent scattered punctate burns from arcing. The documented resolution of Lichtenberg figures within hours would be more in keeping with temporary functional capillary dilatation, shown in this case, rather than with tissue alteration by interstitial hemorrhage or inflammation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roger W Byard
- Adelaide School of Biomedicine, The University of Adelaide, Level 2, Room N237, Helen Mayo North, Adelaide, 5005, SA, Australia.
- Forensic Science SA, Adelaide, Australia.
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2
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Manoubi SA, Shimi M, Gharbaoui M, Allouche M. Lichtenberg Figures: How a Cutaneous Sign Can Solve Suspicious Death Cases. Wilderness Environ Med 2022; 33:473-475. [PMID: 36216673 DOI: 10.1016/j.wem.2022.07.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2022] [Revised: 07/02/2022] [Accepted: 07/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
Lightning is a natural weather phenomenon that occurs most commonly during the summer months in the afternoon or early evening. Lightning strikes can cause accidental deaths. In developed countries, lightning fatalities occur almost exclusively outdoors. Deaths from lightning may be in remote places with no witnesses. Forensic pathologists may not be able to reach the scene of death because it is too hazardous or inaccessible. Bodies may have neither evidence of skin burns nor torn areas on their clothes. The presumption of accidental death may be difficult to prove. We present 3 cases in which neither the examination of the death scene nor the examination of the bodies by those who attested to the death were performed. The bodies were transported to the morgue for a forensic autopsy because the deaths were considered suspicious. Physicians who attest to death in open spaces during weather that could produce lightning should actively search for Lichtenberg figures, which are considered irrefutable proof of fatal lightning in such settings. They should also photograph them and submit them as evidence. Nevertheless, physicians should keep in mind that Lichtenberg figures are not considered pathognomonic of lightning because some skin manifestations may mimic them.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Maha Shimi
- Universite de Tunis El Manar Faculte de Medecine de Tunis, Tunis, Tunisia
| | - Meriem Gharbaoui
- Universite de Tunis El Manar Faculte de Medecine de Tunis, Tunis, Tunisia
| | - Mohamed Allouche
- Universite de Tunis El Manar Faculte de Medecine de Tunis, Tunis, Tunisia
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3
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Raniero D, Uberti A, Del Balzo G, Vermiglio E, Farinelli A, Turrina S, De Leo D. Unusual Lichtenberg figures in a lightning strike’s victim: Case report and literature review. Leg Med (Tokyo) 2022; 56:102028. [DOI: 10.1016/j.legalmed.2022.102028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2021] [Revised: 01/17/2022] [Accepted: 01/22/2022] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
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4
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Lindford A, Juteau S, Jaks V, Klaas M, Lagus H, Vuola J, Kankuri E. Case Report: Unravelling the Mysterious Lichtenberg Figure Skin Response in a Patient With a High-Voltage Electrical Injury. Front Med (Lausanne) 2021; 8:663807. [PMID: 34179045 PMCID: PMC8226253 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2021.663807] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2021] [Accepted: 05/18/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
We describe a case of Lichtenberg Figures (LFs) following an electrical injury from a high-voltage switchgear in a 47 year-old electrician. LFs, also known as ferning pattern or keraunographic markings, are a pathognomonic skin sign for lightning strike injuries. Their true pathophysiology has remained a mystery and only once before described following an electical injury. The aim was to characterise the tissue response of LFs by performing untargeted non-labelled proteomics and immunohistochemistry on paraffin-embedded sections of skin biopsies taken from the area of LFs at presentation and at 3 months follow-up. Our results demonstrated an increase in dermal T-cells and greatly increased expression of the iron-binding glycoprotein lactoferrin by keratinocytes and lymphocytes. These changes in the LF-affected skin were associated with extravasation of red blood cells from dermal vessels. Our results provide an initial molecular and cellular insight into the tissue response associated with LFs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew Lindford
- Department of Plastic Surgery, Helsinki Burn Centre, Helsinki University Hospital, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Susanna Juteau
- Department of Pathology, Haartman Institute, University of Helsinki and Helsinki University Hospital Diagnostic Center, HUSLAB, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Viljar Jaks
- Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of Tartu, Tartu, Estonia
| | - Mariliis Klaas
- Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of Tartu, Tartu, Estonia
| | - Heli Lagus
- Helsinki Wound Healing Centre, Helsinki University Hospital, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Jyrki Vuola
- Department of Plastic Surgery, Helsinki Burn Centre, Helsinki University Hospital, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Esko Kankuri
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
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5
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Blitzunfall. Rechtsmedizin (Berl) 2020. [DOI: 10.1007/s00194-020-00415-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
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6
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Blumenthal R. Injuries and deaths from lightning. J Clin Pathol 2020; 74:279-284. [PMID: 32796053 DOI: 10.1136/jclinpath-2020-206492] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2020] [Revised: 06/30/2020] [Accepted: 07/03/2020] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
This paper reviews recent academic research into the pathology of trauma of lightning. Lightning may injure or kill in a variety of different ways. Aimed at the trainee, or practicing pathologist, this paper provides a clinicopathological approach.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ryan Blumenthal
- Department of Forensic Medicine, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, Gauteng, South Africa .,Department of Forensic Medicine, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, Gauteng, South Africa
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7
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Cinotti E, Bruzziches F, Habougit C, Berot V, Tognetti L, Rubegni P, Perrot JL. Fulguration-induced tattoo. Clin Exp Dermatol 2020; 45:911-912. [PMID: 32415991 DOI: 10.1111/ced.14288] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/11/2020] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- E Cinotti
- Department of Medical, Surgical and Neurological Science, Dermatology Section, University of Siena, S. Maria alle Scotte Hospital, Siena, Italy
| | - F Bruzziches
- Department of Medical, Surgical and Neurological Science, Dermatology Section, University of Siena, S. Maria alle Scotte Hospital, Siena, Italy
| | - C Habougit
- Department of, Pathology, University Hospital of Saint-Etienne, Saint-Etienne, France
| | - V Berot
- Departments of, Dermatology, University Hospital of Saint-Etienne, Saint-Etienne, France
| | - L Tognetti
- Department of Medical, Surgical and Neurological Science, Dermatology Section, University of Siena, S. Maria alle Scotte Hospital, Siena, Italy
| | - P Rubegni
- Department of Medical, Surgical and Neurological Science, Dermatology Section, University of Siena, S. Maria alle Scotte Hospital, Siena, Italy
| | - J L Perrot
- Departments of, Dermatology, University Hospital of Saint-Etienne, Saint-Etienne, France
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Blumenthal R. Lightning and the Forensic Pathologist. Acad Forensic Pathol 2018; 8:98-111. [PMID: 31240028 PMCID: PMC6474460 DOI: 10.23907/2018.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Revised: 11/14/2017] [Accepted: 01/03/2018] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
This paper explores the pathology caused by lightning. It covers the basic physics and mechanisms of injury of lightning strikes followed by a short discussion. The purpose of this paper is to suggest an approach to the investigation and autopsy of a lightning-related death.
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9
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Cutaneous manifestations of lightning strike – variability in Lichtenberg figures. Forensic Sci Med Pathol 2017; 13:390-393. [DOI: 10.1007/s12024-017-9870-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/09/2017] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
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10
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Tadler M, Rüegg E, Niquille M, Gencer B, Gautschi OP, Pittet-Cuénod B, Modarressi A. Multi-organ injuries due to a lightning strike: a case report highlighting the importance of a multi-disciplinary approach. CASE REPORTS IN PLASTIC SURGERY AND HAND SURGERY 2017; 4:1-4. [PMID: 28164145 PMCID: PMC5253516 DOI: 10.1080/23320885.2016.1275646] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2016] [Accepted: 12/17/2016] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
The interdisciplinary management of patients with multiple organ injuries after lightning strike is of paramount importance. Cutaneous burns can be associated to other organ injuries requiring emergency and life-support treatment. We report the case of a lightning strike victim who presented with burns as well as cardiologic and neurologic complications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marlene Tadler
- Department of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery, Geneva University Hospitals and Faculty of Medicine , Geneva , Switzerland
| | - Eva Rüegg
- Department of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery, Geneva University Hospitals and Faculty of Medicine , Geneva , Switzerland
| | - Marc Niquille
- Division of Emergency Medicine, Geneva University Hospitals and Faculty of Medicine , Geneva , Switzerland
| | - Baris Gencer
- Division of Cardiology, Geneva University Hospitals and Faculty of Medicine , Geneva , Switzerland
| | - Oliver P Gautschi
- Department of Neurosurgery, Geneva University Hospitals and Faculty of Medicine , Geneva , Switzerland
| | - Brigitte Pittet-Cuénod
- Department of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery, Geneva University Hospitals and Faculty of Medicine , Geneva , Switzerland
| | - Ali Modarressi
- Department of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery, Geneva University Hospitals and Faculty of Medicine , Geneva , Switzerland
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11
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Zack F, Büttner A. Rechtsmedizinische Aspekte der Lichtenberg-Figuren nach Blitzschlag. Rechtsmedizin (Berl) 2016. [DOI: 10.1007/s00194-016-0104-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
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12
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13
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Arnould JF, Le Floch R. Lichtenberg figures associated with a high-voltage industrial burn. Burns 2011; 37:e13-5. [PMID: 21269776 DOI: 10.1016/j.burns.2010.11.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2010] [Accepted: 11/14/2010] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- J F Arnould
- CHU Nantes, Service d'Anesthésie et de Réanimation Chirurgicale, Hôtel-Dieu Hôpital Mère Enfant, Place Alexis Ricordeau, Nantes, F- 44000 France.
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