Intramuscular hemorrhages in the pathway of an electric current through the body - two case reports

Intramuscular hemorrhages at autopsy can have a variety of traumatic as well as non-traumatic causes, but their recognition in electrical deaths is almost a rarity. We report on two autopsy cases of electrical fatalities, the first relating to a portion of the right upper human extremity, consisting (only) of the forearm and hand, while the other case relates to a female child who died after a high voltage electrical shock. In both cases, layered dissection of the upper limb revealed fresh intramuscular hemorrhages in the skeletal muscles that could be topographically related to the path taken by the current through the body. Externally visible electric marks were present in both cases. The hemorrhages were most likely caused by current-induced tetanic muscle contractions, producing an internal muscle trauma with rupture of fibers and bleedings. In complex situations, such as inconspicuous marks or a complete lack of visible signs on the body, the finding may be helpful in solving the case in consideration of the case history and circumstances. The vitality, topography, and pattern of the hemorrhages are discussed in the light of the available literature.

SARS-CoV-2 infection leading to ischemic and hemorrhagic brain lesions and acute respiratory distress syndrome

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) may present with pulmonary and extrapulmonary manifestations. We present a 41-year-old patient who presented with 1 week of increasing dyspnea and fever and initial chest radiography demonstrated bilateral diffuse infiltrates. Due to the patient's progressively worsening symptoms, he was intubated, paralyzed, sedated. He began proning, 100% fractional inspired oxygenation ventilation, and veno-venous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation. Computed tomography of the thorax revealed completely opacified lungs bilaterally with the exception of a small, aerated apicoposterior segment of the left lung. Computed tomography of the head demonstrated several areas of hemorrhage, areas of hypodensity consistent with posterior cerebral artery and middle cerebral artery territory infarcts, and findings consistent with transtentorial herniation. Given the radiologic findings and nonprogressive clinical status, the family placed the patient on comfort care and the patient died within minutes of extubation. As with our patient at the time of admission, presenting symptoms and clinical laboratory data provide reliable prognostic factors for patients with COVID-19.

Scurvy: a rare case in an adult

A 69-year-old man presented with unilateral calf pain, swelling, and erythematous rash. He was initially treated with antibiotics for suspected cellulitis. A venous duplex ultrasound, performed to exclude deep venous thrombosis, revealed multiple heterogeneous hypoechoic foci of unknown etiology throughout the calf musculature. His condition did not improve with antibiotics, instead progressing to a necrotic ulcer along the medial malleolus. Clinical suspicion of vascular insufficiency or vasculitis prompted an extensive imaging work-up. CT and MRI revealed the intramuscular abnormalities observed on previous ultrasound represented foci of intramuscular hemorrhage. Marrow signal abnormality was also noted in the proximal tibia. A punch biopsy of the skin rash ultimately demonstrated distorted hair follicles with perifollicular inflammation and hemorrhage concerning for scurvy. The diagnosis was confirmed by low vitamin C levels and dietary history. A resurgence of scurvy has occurred in the pediatric population in recent years. However, this diagnosis remains uncommon in adults, with limited reports of the potential advanced imaging findings in the current literature.

Magnetic resonance imaging and histopathological analysis of experimental muscle injuries in a rabbit

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the correlation of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) with histopathological changes, and to evaluate T2 mapping in assessing muscle trauma in a rabbit model of muscle injury.

METHODS

We divided 35 rabbits into seven groups that each represented a different time point after intramuscular hemorrhage and muscle injury. Hemorrhage was created by injecting autologous blood into the left legs, and muscle injury was created by scalpel incision of the biceps femoris of the right legs. At different time points, the rabbits underwent T1-weighted imaging and T2-weighted imaging (T1WI and T2WI) and T2 mapping. T2 relaxation times were measured, and the corresponding samples were evaluated for pathological changes

RESULTS

After 2 h, the intramuscular hemorrhage model demonstrated an increased signal intensity on both T1WI and T2WI. Histological examination showed erythrocytes within the muscle bundle. On days 1 and 3, the MRI signals were decreased, and there were no significant changes after day 7. From 2 h to 3 days, the muscle-injury model showed a high signal on both T1WI and T2WI. Corresponding pathological changes included rupture and edema of muscle fibers, and inflammation. The abnormal signals were reduced on day 7. After day 14, the T2WI intensity remained high. T1WI showed no abnormal changes, but some models showed a high signal, representing fresh bleeding and fatty tissue. T2 relaxation times were significantly different between the central and marginal regions, and between the marginal and normal regions.

CONCLUSION

MRI clearly demonstrates intramuscular hemorrhage and muscle injury, which correlate well with histopathological changes. T2 mapping is useful in assessing the extent of injury.