Background: The aim of this study is to give an account of autopsy findings and histopathological changes in fatal electrocution cases. A secondary aim was to know the epidemiological profile, cause of death, and its relation to the survival period in fatal electrical injuries.
study design: A retrospective study was undertaken of all fatal electrocution cases autopsied in the mortuary of Dr. Prabhakar Kore Charitable Hospital of Belagavi, Karnataka, India between January 2011 to December 2021. Data was collected from autopsy reports, police information, and hospital records. It was further analyzed and expressed in percentages.
results: Cases represented 8.2% of all autopsy cases. Only 27% of cases were due to low voltage electric current. Burn injury was seen in 81% of total cases. 43% of cases showed both entry and exit marks. When the skin of this area was sent for histopathological examination there was a mononuclear infiltrate and subepidermal separation seen. There were interstitial hemorrhages on the right atrium of the heart and hemorrhagic foci were seen on the kidneys and lungs too. Petechial hemorrhages were seen on the heart, lungs, and brain.
conclusions: Histopathological findings can be used as evidence in
determining the cause of death. Deaths due to electrocution demand closer awareness.