Chng, Kay Ly and Mussadik, Umul Khairil Fatimah and Zaki, Hafizatul Solehah and Hasim, Husna Syaza
(2024)
Rhabdomyolysis and vascular thrombosis supporting the electrocution related death.
Malaysian Journal of Pathology, 46 (2).
pp. 331-337.
ISSN 0126-8635
Abstract
Introduction: Electrocution related death remains an ambiguous judgement and requires numerous
valid evidence for proper medico-legal diagnosis. While the presence of electrical burn marks is
a significant macroscopic indicator, it can be absent, especially on moist skin. The electrical mark
still represents a fundamental indicator above all in the medico-legal field, but the identification of
pathognomonic elements and signs not limited to the skin alone could be a valid help in the future,
especially in unclear cases. Case Report: The deceased was brought-in-dead to the hospital from
their workplace, with no signs of fatal natural diseases. External examination revealed a Y-shaped
burn mark on the right side of the neck and collapsed blisters with greying rings on both heels.
Internal examination showed no alarming findings. Further, histopathological analysis of the foot
blisters and neck burn revealed intraepidermal detachment, elongated nuclei, and coagulative
necrosis. Notably, the presence of muscle fibre casts in kidney tubules and microthrombi in lung
sections which indicate rhabdomyolysis and vascular thrombosis supported electrocution-related
death. Conclusion: These positive findings of the electrical burn marks externally and significant
histopathological changes, collectively support the death was due to electrocution, after excluding
any major, fatal injuries. Albeit, a detailed inspection of the crime scene plays an important role,
in order to classify the electrocution related death.
| Item Type: |
Article
(Case Report)
|
| Additional Information: |
9006/114881 |
| Uncontrolled Keywords: |
Electrocution, rhabdomyolysis, vascular thrombosis, electrical burn mark, case report |
| Subjects: |
R Medicine > RB Pathology |
| Kulliyyahs/Centres/Divisions/Institutes (Can select more than one option. Press CONTROL button): |
UNSPECIFIED |
| Depositing User: |
Dr Kay Ly Chng
|
| Date Deposited: |
07 Oct 2024 17:19 |
| Last Modified: |
08 Oct 2024 14:41 |
| URI: |
http://irep.iium.edu.my/id/eprint/114881 |
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