Abstract

Dependency to electrical equipments and improper safety measures has led to a signifi cant increase in deaths due to electrocution. Confi rming the cause of death in electrocution is one of the biggest challenges. Skin is the most frequently involved tissue in electrocution and histopathology of skin from electric marks aids in proper diagnosis. To study the histomorphological features of epidermis and dermis in skin tissue of entry and exit wounds in electrocution deaths. This is an observational study done over a period of one year. Skin biopsy from medico legal autopsy of non-lightening electrocution deaths obtained from entry or exit wound site were included for the study. Gross and histopathological details were studied and data analyzed. Signifi cant gross features were surface discoloration of skin 16 (61%) and ulceration 05 (20%). Microscopic features were coagulative necrosis 21 (80.7%), dermo-epidermal separation 20 (80.7%), focal ulceration of epithelium 05 (19%), clefting of epidermis (60%), streaming of nuclei (92.3%), elongation of nuclei (92.3%) and microblisters 02 (15.3%). One of the important causes of negative autopsy is electrocution deaths. In such cases dermatopathology is a diagnostic tool coupled with circumstantial evidence. Histological hallmark of electrocution skin injury is epidermal nuclear elongation.

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