Internal current mark in a case of suicide by electrocution

Area of Science:

• Forensic Pathology
• Electrical Injury Analysis
• Toxicology

Background:

• Electrocution fatalities frequently present with minimal external morphologic evidence, complicating death investigations.
• Identifying the cause and manner of death often requires integrating scene investigation and technical analysis of electrical devices.
• Cutaneous current marks are sometimes the sole indicators in low-voltage electrocution fatalities.

Observation:

• A case study involving an electrician who died by suicide via electrocution after diazepam ingestion.
• Electrodes placed on the chest revealed a unique blackish linear mark on the inner thoracic cavity's parietal pleura.
• Histologic examination showed current- and heat-related changes in intercostal muscles and peripheral nerves.

Findings:

• The observed parietal pleural mark is consistent with an internal current mark, indicating the primary path of electrical current through the body.
• This internal current mark, found after 7 days of low-voltage exposure, represents a novel finding on an internal body surface.
• Histologic evidence of hypercontraction bands and coagulative changes supports the electrical nature of the injury.

Implications:

• This case expands the understanding of morphologic evidence in electrocution fatalities, particularly in low-voltage cases.
• The identification of internal current marks on the pleura provides a new diagnostic criterion for forensic pathologists.
• Advanced forensic investigation techniques are crucial for elucidating the mechanisms of death in electrocution incidents.