Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 23, 2026
06:52
Induction of Mouse Lung Injury by Endotracheal Injection of Bleomycin
Published on: April 30, 2019
17.3K
Bone marrow embolism to the lung in electrocution: two case reports
Ryan Blumenthal1, Gert Saayman
1From the Department of Forensic Medicine, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa.
The American Journal of Forensic Medicine and Pathology
|June 12, 2014
Summary
Electrocution can cause bone marrow embolism, a rare event where bone marrow enters the bloodstream, even without skeletal fractures. This study examines two cases, highlighting the phenomenon and its potential causes.
Area of Science:
- Forensic Pathology
- Pathology
- Toxicology
Background:
- Bone marrow embolism (BME) is a rare postmortem finding.
- First described in electrocution by Rappaport et al. in 1951.
- Pathogenesis remains incompletely understood.
Observation:
- Two cases of electrocution are presented.
- Case 1: High-voltage exposure with skeletal injuries.
- Case 2: Domestic current exposure without skeletal injury.
Findings:
- Histologic examination of lungs revealed bone marrow embolism in both cases.
- BME occurred despite the absence of skeletal injury in one case.
- This supports BME as a potential consequence of electrocution.
Implications:
- Reiterates the existence of BME in electrocution.
- Suggests mechanisms beyond direct skeletal trauma.
- Highlights the importance of histologic examination in electrocution autopsies.
Related Concept Videos
01:26Pneumothorax-I
A pneumothorax is a condition where air builds up in the space between the lung and the chest wall, causing the lung to collapse. This condition arises when air enters the space between the parietal and visceral pleura, disrupting the negative pressure essential for lung inflation. This can lead to a partial or complete collapse of the lung.
Pneumothorax can be even further classified as spontaneous, traumatic, and tension pneumothorax.
Pneumothorax can be even further classified as spontaneous, traumatic, and tension pneumothorax.
01:29Pulmonary Embolism I: Introduction
Pulmonary embolism (PE) occurs when a thrombus, fat or air embolus, amniotic fluid, or tumor tissue blocks one or more pulmonary arteries. These blockages originate in the venous system or the right side of the heart.EtiologyPE primarily arises from deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and other hypercoagulable states, such as inherited thrombophilias. Additional etiological factors include venous stasis, commonly seen in obesity, and endothelial injury from surgery and trauma. Less common causes include...
01:29Pulmonary Embolism II: Diagnostic Studies and Interprofessional Care
Diagnosing Pulmonary EmbolismDiagnosing pulmonary embolism (PE) involves clinical assessment and advanced imaging tests. The preferred diagnostic tool is the spiral (helical) CT scan or CT angiography (CTA), which uses intravenous contrast media to visualize the pulmonary vasculature and identify emboli.A ventilation-perfusion (V/Q) scan is an alternative for patients unable to receive contrast media. This scan includes both perfusion and ventilation scanning. Perfusion scanning involves...
01:27Pulmonary Embolism III: Nursing Management
A pulmonary embolism occurs when a thrombus, amniotic fluid, tumor tissue, fat, or air embolus blocks one or more pulmonary arteries. Effective nursing management and patient education are crucial for improving outcomes and preventing recurrence.Nursing management starts with obtaining a comprehensive patient history, particularly noting any history of deep vein thrombosis (DVT). Assess for clinical manifestations, including dyspnea, chest pain, crackles, heart murmurs, and signs of right-sided...
01:08Pneumothorax II: Pathophysiology
Pneumothorax means the presence of air in the pleural space — the thin potential gap between the visceral and parietal pleura. This condition disrupts the normal pressure balance that keeps the lungs inflated, leading to partial or complete collapse of the affected lung.Normal physiologyUnder normal conditions, the pleural space maintains a slightly negative intrapleural pressure, which keeps the lungs expanded against the chest wall. This negative pressure creates a delicate balance between...
01:19Pulmonary Embolism I: Introduction
A blood clot, or thrombus, is a semi-solid mass composed of fibrin, platelets, and red blood cells. When it forms within a vessel, it can obstruct blood flow, known as thrombosis. If part of the clot detaches, it becomes an embolus that can travel and block distant vessels. When this occurs in the pulmonary arteries, it causes a condition known as pulmonary embolism (PE).Origin and ImpactMost often, the embolus originates from a thrombus in the deep veins of the lower limbs, a condition called...