Myocardial infarction secondary to electrocution: report of a child case: Elektrik çarpmasına ikincil miyokard infarktüsü: bir çocuk  olgu sunumu

Mustafa Karapirli; Alper Keten; Ramazan Akçan; Hanife Alkurt Alkan; Dilhan Türkkan

doi:10.5455/GMJ-30-2012-85

Authors

Mustafa Karapirli Adli Tıp Kurumu, Ankara Grup Başkanlığı, Ankara
Alper Keten Atatürk Eğitim ve Araştırma Hastanesi, Adli Tıp Birimi, Ankara
Ramazan Akçan Hacettepe Üniversitesi, Tıp Fakültesi, Adli Tıp Anabilim Dalı, Ankara\Adli Tıp Kurumu, Ankara Grup Başkanlığı, Morg İhtisas Dairesi, Otopsi Şubesi, Ankara
Hanife Alkurt Alkan Adli Tıp Kurumu, Ankara Grup Başkanlığı, Morg İhtisas Dairesi, Otopsi Şubesi, Ankara
Dilhan Türkkan Adli Tıp Kurumu, Ankara Grup Başkanlığı, Morg İhtisas Dairesi, Histopatoloji Şubesi, Ankara

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.5455/GMJ-30-2012-85

Keywords:

Electrocution, myocardial infarction, autopsy

Abstract

Cardiac rhythm defects can be seen due to electrocution related injuries. However, myocardial infarcts due to electrocution are rarely seen. Here, we present a case of myocardial infarction due to electrocution in children, with its medico-legal aspects. A thirteen years old male exposed to electrical current while playing with an open electrical cable. He was arrested upon admission to the emergency department. Laboratory tests revealed cardiac affection characterized with increased levels of cardiac enzymes and troponin. Three days after injury the child died in intensive care unit. At autopsy, entry and exit points of electrical injuries were seen on right and left hands. Histopathological examination showed finding attributable to myocardial infarction. Myocardial infarction due to electrocution is generally caused by coronary artery vasospasm and/or direct myocardial damage. Crime scene investigation findings, hospital records are of high importance to be available and such documents should be reviewed prior to autopsy. Furthermore, photographing of injuries and histopathological evaluation of skin lesions should be performed.

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