Lung Parenchymal Damage Due to High Voltage Electric Shock

Abstract

In electric shocks, lung tissue is a poor conductor and has low resistance. Therefore, they are not very sensitive to the development of tissue damage due to electric current. In this study, we wanted to present a rare case of lung parenchymal burn as a result of electric shock. A 21-year-old male patient was brought to the emergency department by ambulance after being electrocuted with a current of 15,000 volts after contact with a high voltage line while working with a construction machine. The general condition of the patient was good and vital signs were stable. However, his pulse oxygen value was 74 and his breathing was slightly tachypneic. There were no lesions in the chest and abdomen due to electrical burns. Radiologic imaging showed bilateral diffuse tissue damage in the lung tissue. The patient was referred to a tertiary care institution with an intensive care burn unit. In traumas caused by high-voltage electric shock, burns on the body surface may be insufficient to determine the severity of the trauma. A multidisciplinary approach must be provided to these patients.