journal article
Open Access
Apr 10, 2021
Electrocution Stigmas in Organ Damage: The Pathological Marks
Abstract
Background: Diagnostic criteria for electrocution related death are still a challenge in forensic pathology and it seems that the electrical mark is the only reliable evidence. Methods: A comparison of histological and morphological findings of skin and internal organs from an autopsy series of electrocution deaths with those mostly reported in literature as representative for electrocution. Results: The morphological changes of heart, brain and other main internal organs are still unspecific. Organ’s damage observed in electrocution deaths shows a wide variability, not reliable for a certain diagnosis of electrocution. The electrical mark is still the golden standard for diagnosis of electrocution. Conclusions: In electrocution related deaths, pathological findings of the main internal organs are not enough evidence to support with certainty a post-mortem diagnosis that a victim suffered an electrical damage. Although the organ histological changes are undoubtedly the starting point for a better understanding of the fatal even, the diagnosis of death from electrical damage is still a dark and unsolved chapter. The electrical mark still represents a fundamental indicator above all in the medical-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.
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16
Citations
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References
Details
- Published
- Apr 10, 2021
- Vol/Issue
- 11(4)
- Pages
- 682
- License
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Authors
Cite This Article
Gelsomina Mansueto, Mario Di Napoli, Pasquale Mascolo, et al. (2021). Electrocution Stigmas in Organ Damage: The Pathological Marks. Diagnostics, 11(4), 682. https://doi.org/10.3390/diagnostics11040682
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