A Misleading Case: Lichtenberg Figures Caused by Illegal Use of Electricity from High-Voltage Transformer

Year 2024, Volume: 15 Issue: 2, 35 - 37, 28.06.2024

Bahadır Arslan

https://doi.org/10.33706/jemcr.1441022

Abstract

Although injuries with high voltage are relatively rare in emergency services, their morbidity and mortality are high. Findings in the body after the event can guide the diagnosis and treatment. A 21-year-old female patient was brought by her relatives with the complaint of electric shock. Lichtenberg figures, which are known to occur because of high voltage, were observed in the body examination of the patient, who stated that the incident occurred after contact with an open cable at home. When the anamnesis was detailed again, it was learned that she entered the transformer for illegal use. Voltage information is key in electrical injury management. With criminal concerns, patients may describe events differently. The clues in the examination, like Lichtenberg figures, can change the management of the patient.

Keywords

emergency medicine, electrical injuries, Lichtenberg figure

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