Lightning: an unusual etiology of gastrointestinal perforation

Abstract

Lightning injury is one of the most frequent injuries by a natural phenomenon and often results in a high mortality, ranging from 20–30%. The most vulnerable subjects to lightning injuries are those who work in the open fields [1]. Although lightning injuries may involve all organ systems, injuries to the cardiovascular system and central nervous system are the most frequently affected. Burns, tinnitus, blindness and secondary blunt trauma have also been reported. The majority of victims have associated multi system involvement [2]. Although common neurological and/or cardiovascular complications due to lightning injury have been reported, gastrointestinal complications have been documented very rarely. No report related to gastrointestinal perforation caused by lightning injury has been identified in the literature.