Findings for current marks: Histopathological examination and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy of three cases

Abstract

We describe herein three cases of electrocution. As most deaths caused by electricity are due to cardiac arrhythmia or paralysis of the respiratory muscles, autopsy findings in electrocution cases are generally non-specific, with the exception of the presence of current marks. We detected metallization by histological examination and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX) analysis in tissues of typical or atypical current marks. In addition, myofiber break-up was observed in one case. One patient was hospitalized before death and revealed patchy contraction band necrosis, along with infiltration of leucocytes and vacuolation in the diaphragm. The presence of current marks is the hallmark for forensic diagnosis of electrocution. Although specific findings are lacking at autopsy in cases of electrocution, detailed histological examination and EDX analysis provide useful information for forensic diagnosis.