Skip to main content

Heat, Fire, Electricity, Lightning, Radiation, and Gases

  • Chapter
  • First Online:
Forensic Histopathology

Abstract

The effects of heat, electricity, radiation, and burn injuries from open fire, inhalation of hot air or gases, as well as whole-body hyperthermia can have a lethal course and partly be detected microscopically (Fineschi et al. 2005; Bohnert 2004; Karger and Teige 2002; Myers et al. 1999; Pioch 1966a, b). Thus, pulmonary changes following heat or fire have long been the subject of histological investigations (Zinck 1940; Foerster 1934, 1932; Olbrycht 1927). Electricity can leave current marks on the skin and can even directly damage the myocardium. Initially, the impact of heat leads to injury of the locally affected tissue. In the case of higher-degree burns, the entire body is affected (burn disease). Special forms, such as heat inhalation trauma, may lead to specific injury to the respiratory tract. In the case of lightning, injuries include striated skin and organ damage between the site of entry and the site of exit of the lightning; thus, organ damage can be detected histologically and immunohistochemically.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this chapter

Chapter
USD 29.95
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
eBook
USD 119.00
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as EPUB and PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever

Tax calculation will be finalised at checkout

Purchases are for personal use only

Institutional subscriptions

References

  • Abe M, Saitoh H, Sato Y, Hamaguchi K, Kiuchi M (2001) Immunohistochemical study of the kidneys after severe muscular injury. Int J Leg Med 114:232–236

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Allen GC, Brubaker CL (1998) Human malignant hyperthermia associated with desflurane anaesthesia. Anaesth Analg 86:1328–1331

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Anders S, Schulz F, Tsokos M (2000) Intramuskuläre Hämorrhagien bei letaler suizidaler Strombeibringung. 9th Spring meeting of the German society of forensic medicine – northern region, Leipzig, Germany, 4–5 May 2000

    Google Scholar 

  • Anders S, Matschke J, Tsokos M (2001) Internal current mark in a case of suicide by electrocution. Am J Forensic Med Pathol 22:370–373

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Banaschak S, Milbradt H, Humpert M, Roll P, Madea B (2001) Zum Nachweis der Anwendung von Elektroschockgeräten. Arch Krim 208:149–158

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Baroldi G, Silver MD, Parolini M, Pomara C, Turillazzi E, Fineschi V (2005) Myofiber break-up: a marker of ventricular fibrillation in sudden cardiac death. Int J Cardiol 100:435–441

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Beal SM (1983) Some epidemiological factors about sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) in South Australia. In: Tildon JT, Roeder LM, Steinschneider A (eds) Sudden infant death syndrome. Academic, New York/London, pp 15–28

    Google Scholar 

  • Bergeder HD (1963) Grundlagen der biologischen Stra­hlenwirkung und Strahlenschäden. Ergebn Allgem Path 42:1

    Google Scholar 

  • Böhm E (1967a) Differentialdiagnostisch bedeutsame Unter­schiede zwischen Strom- und Wärmemarken. Dtsch Z Gesamte Gerichtl Med 61:128–136

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Böhm E (1967b) Untersuchungen über die Gestalt oberflächlicher Metallisationen der Haut. Dtsch Z Gesamte Gerichtl Med 59:26–34

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Böhm E (1968a) Die Versilberungsmethode nach Timm als Nachweisreaktion für elektrische Metallisation. Dtsch Z Gesamte Gerichtl Med 62:26–31

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Böhm E (1968b) Zur Frage der Differentialdiagnose zwischen thermischen und elektrischen Verbrennungen. Dtsch Z Gesamte Gerichtl Med 63:149–153

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Bohnert M (2004) Morphological findings in burned bodies. In: Tsokos M (ed) Forensic pathology reviews, vol I. Humana, Totowa, pp 3–27

    Google Scholar 

  • Bohnert M, Werner CR, Pollak S (2003) Problems associated with the diagnosis of vitality in burned bodies. Forensic Sci Int 135:197–205

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Bohnert M, Anderson J, Rothschild MA, Böhm J (2010) Immunohistochemical expression of fibronection in the lungs of fire victims proves intravital reaction in fatal burns. Int J Leg Med 124:583–588

    Google Scholar 

  • Brinkmann B, Püschel K (1977) Zur Histomorpologie der ­Herz- und Skelettmuskulatur bei maligner Hyperthermie. Z Rechtsmed 80:117–133

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Brinkmann B, Püschel K (1978) Heat injuries to the respiratory system. Virchows Arch A Pathol Anat Histol 379:299–311

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Brinkmann B, Kleiber M, Koops E, Püschel K (1979) Vitale Reaktionen bei akutem Verbrühungstod. Z Rechtsmed 83:1–16

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Britt BA, Web GE, LeDuc C (1974) Malignant hyperthermia induced by curare. Can Anaesth Soc J 21:371–375

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Castren JA, Kytila J (1963) Eye symptoms caused by lightning stroke. Acta Ophthalmol 41:139–143

    Google Scholar 

  • Chan YF, Sivasamboo R (1972) Lightning accidents in pregnancy. J Obstet Gynaecol Br Commonw 79:761–762

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Cooper MA (1980) Lightning injuries: prognostic signs for death. Ann Emerg Med 9:134–138

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Cox RA, Mlcak RP, Chinkes DL, Jacob S, Enkhbaatar P, Jaso J, Parish LP, Traber DL, Jeschke ML, Herndon DN, Hawkins HK (2008) Upper airway mucus deposition in lung tissue of burn trauma victims. Shock 29:356–361

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Danielsen L, Thomsen HK, Nielsen O, Aalund O, Nielsen KG, Karlsmark T, Genefke IK (1978) Electrical and thermal ­injuries in pig skin-evaluated and compared by light microscopy. Forensic Sci Int 12:211–225

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Denborough MA, Lovell RRH (1960) Anaesthetic deaths in a family. Lancet 2:45

    Google Scholar 

  • Dettmeyer R, Preuß J, Madea B (2007) 4 Tage überlebter Blitzschlag nach erfolgreicher Renanimation. 15th Spring meeting of the German society of forensic medicine, Hamburg, Germany, 2007

    Google Scholar 

  • Drüner HE, Grözinger KH (1972) Streß-Ulzera nach Verbren­nungen. Med Welt 23:707

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Fineschi V, D’Errico S, Neri M, Panarese F, Ricci P, Turillazzi E (2005) Heat stroke in an incubator: an immunohistochemical study in a fatal case. Int J Leg Med 119:94–97

    Google Scholar 

  • Fineschi V, Karch SB, D’Errico S, Pomara C, Riezzo I, Turillazzi E (2006) Cardiac pathology in death from electrocution. Int J Leg Med 120:79–82

    Google Scholar 

  • Fish R (1993a) Electric shock. Part I: nature and mechanisms of injury. J Emerg Med 11:309–312

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Fish R (1993b) Electric Shock. Part II: nature and mechanisms of injury. J Emerg Med 11:457–462

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Foerster A (1932) Über Veränderungen der Luftröhrenschleimhaut bei Verbrannten. Dtsch Z Gesamte Gerichtl Med 19:293–301

    Google Scholar 

  • Foerster A (1933) Experimentelle Untersuchungen über Verän­derungen an den Atmungsorganen bei plötzlicher Einwirkung hoher Temperaturen. Dtsch Z Gesamte Gerichtl Med 20:445–461

    Google Scholar 

  • Foerster A (1934) Mikroskopische Untersuchungen über das Verhalten der Alveolen bei Verbrannten. Dtsch Z Gesamte Gerichtl Med 23:281–288

    Google Scholar 

  • Fracasso T, Schmeling A (2011) Delayed asphyxia due to inhalation injury. Int J Leg Med 125(2):289–292

    Google Scholar 

  • Franzius C, Meyer-Hofmann H, Lison AE (1997) Myokardinfarkt und Rhabdomyolyse nach einem Hochspannungsunfall mit erfolgreicher Reanimation. Dtsch Med Wochenschr 122:400–406

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Gehrmann G, Schäfer EL, Wunder M (1963) Klinische und radiologische Befunde bei Thorotrastschädigungen. Dtsch Med Wochenschr 88:2050

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Goldbach HJ (1956) Gibt es vitale Reaktionen der Lunge nach Heißlufteinatmung? Dtsch Z Gesamte Gerichtl Med 45:394

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Gormsen H, Jeppesen N, Lund A (1984) The causes of death in fire victims. Forensic Sci Int 24:107–111

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Gronert GA (1980) Malignant hyperthermia. Anesthesiology 53:395–423

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Hieda Y, Tsujino Y, Xue Y, Takayama K, Fujihara J, Kimura K, Dekio S (2004) Skin analysis following dermal exposure to kerosene in rats: the effects of post-mortem exposure and fire. Int J Leg Med 118:41–46

    Google Scholar 

  • James TN, Riddick L, Embry JH (1990) Cardiac abnormalities demonstrated post-mortem in four cases of accidental electrocution and their potential significance relative to nonfatal electrical injuries of the heart. Am Heart J 120:143–157

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Janssen W (1977) Forensische Histologie. Schmidt-Römhild, Lübeck

    Google Scholar 

  • Janssen W (1984) Injuries caused by heat and cold. In: Janssen W (ed) Forensic histopathology. Springer, Berlin Heidelberg/New York/Tokyo, pp 234–260

    Google Scholar 

  • Kahn A, Wacholder A, Winkler M, Rebuffat E (1990) Prospective study on the prevalence of sudden infant death and possible risk factors in Brussels: preliminary results (1987–1988). Eur J Pediatr 149:284–286

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Karger B, Teige K (2002) Fatal malignant hyperthermia – delayed onset and atypical course. Forensic Sci Int 129:187–190

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Karger B, Suggeler O, Brinkmann B (2002) Electrocution – autopsy study with emphasis on “electrical petechiae”. Forensic Sci Int 126:210–213

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Keil W, Yoshida H, Ishiyama I (1984) Untersuchungen zur Wirkung von Elektrizität auf den Myoglobingehalt humaner Herz- und Skelettmuskulatur. Z Rechtsmed 91:185–193

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Kibayashi K, Shojo H (2003) Heat-induced immunoreactivity of tau protein in neocortical neurons of fire fatalities. Int J Leg Med 117:282–286

    Google Scholar 

  • Kibayashi K, Nakao K, Shojo H (2009) Hyperthermia combined with ethanol administration induces c-fos expression in the central amygdaloid nucleus of the mouse brain. A possible mechanism of heatstroke under the influence of ethanol intake. Int J Leg Med 123:371–379

    Google Scholar 

  • Koeppen S (1965) Personenschäden durch Blitzeinwirkung. Med Klin 60(35):1390–1394

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Krauland W (1951) Schäden und Todesfälle durch Blitzschlag. Dtsch Z Gesamte Gerichtl Med 40:298–312

    Google Scholar 

  • Ku CS, Lin SL, Hsu TL, Wang SP, Chang MS (1989) Myocardial damage associated with electrical injury. Am Heart J 118:621–624

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Lichtenberg R, Dries D, Ward K, Marshall W, Scanlon P (1993) Cardiovascular effects of lightning strikes. J Am Coll Cardiol 21:531–536

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Maresch W (1973) Maligne hyperthermie. Beitr Gerichtl Med 30:289–296

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Marschall S, Rothschild MA, Bohnert M (2006) Expression of heat-shock protein 70 (HSP 70) in the respiratory tract and lungs of fire victims. Int J Leg Med 120:355–359

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • McCaninch J, Matter P, Lynch JB, Lewis SR, Blocker TG (1964) Renal pathophysiology in severe burns: five year review of kidney pathology in fatal burns. Tex Rep Biol Med 22:348

    Google Scholar 

  • Multhoff G (2002) Activation of natural killer cells by heat shock protein 70. Int J Hyperthermia 18:576–585

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Myers SL, Williams JM, Hodges JS (1999) Effects of extreme heat on teeth with implications for histologic processing. J Forensic Sci 44:805–809

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Ng’walali PM, Kibayashi K, Yonemitsu K, Ohtsu Y, Tsunenari S (1998) Death as a result of heat stroke in a vehicle: an adult case in winter confirmed with reconstruction and animal experiments. J Clin Forensic Med 5:183–186

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Oehlert W (1970) Pathologische Veränderungen in Organen und Geweben nach Applikation von Radioisotopen und Kontrastmitteln. Langenbecks Arch Chir 327:229

    Google Scholar 

  • Oesterhelweg L, Kaufmann R, Hornborstel G, Bostelmann J, Schulz F, Püschel K (2006) Todesfälle im Zusammenhang mit Biogas. Kriminalistik 10:594–598

    Google Scholar 

  • Olbrycht J (1927) Mikroskopische Untersuchungen von Lungen verbrannter Neugeborener zum Nachweis ihres Gelebthabens, nebst Bemerkungen über die forensische Bedeutung der histologischen Lungenprobe. Dtsch Z Gesamte Gerichtl Med 9:529

    Google Scholar 

  • Olbrycht J, Ramult M (1924) Der Einfluß der Verbrühung, des anaphylaktischen Schocks und der parenteralen Zufuhr ­verschiedener Eiweißstoffe auf das histologische Bild der Nebennieren. Dtsch Z Gesamte Gerichtl Med 3:401

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Pinchuk VM (1964) Morphological changes of the kidneys during the first period of burn. Arch Path (Mosk) 26(6):40

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Pioch W (1966a) Die histochemische Untersuchung thermischer Hautschäden und ihre Bedeutung für die forensische Praxis. Schmidt-Römhild, Lübeck

    Google Scholar 

  • Pioch W (1966b) L’image histologique des lèsions vitales et post-mortem causèes par brûlures. Extrait des Acta Medicinæ Legalis et Socialis XIX:327–333

    Google Scholar 

  • Pioch W (1966c) Histologisch-histochemische Untersuchungen zur Identifizierung von Strommarken. Dtsch Z Gesamte Gerichtl Med 57:165–169

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Pioch W (1967) Zur Diagnostik polytypischer Strommarken. Vorträge im Landeskriminalpolizeiamt Niedersachsen (Sonderdruck) Naturwissenschaftliche Kriminalistik:39–48

    Google Scholar 

  • Pioch W (1968) Zur gerichtsmedizinischen Untersuchung von Tötungsdelikten durch elektrischen Strom. Arch Krim 142:143–152

    Google Scholar 

  • Püschel K, Brinkmann B (1978) Tod durch maligne Hyperthermie. Ätiologie, Pathophysiologie, Epidemiologie und Pathomorphologie. Med Welt 29:522–531

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Quan L, Zhu BL, Oritani S, Ishida K, Fujita MQ, Maeda H (2001) Intranuclear ubiquitin immunoreactivity in the pigmented neurons of the substantia nigra in fire fatalities. Int J Leg Med 114:310–315

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Reed GB, Cox AJ (1966) The human liver after radiation injury. A form of veno-occlusive disease. Am J Path 48:597

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Rees WD (1965) Pregnant woman struck by lightning. Br Med J 1:103–104

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Reh H (1960) Spättod nach Einwirkung von Kontaktwärme (55-60°C) auf die Haut in einem Heißluftbad, zugleich ein Beitrag zur pathologischen Anatomie der Verbrennungs­krankheit. Dtsch Z Gesamte Gerichtl Med 49:703

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Riße M, Weiler G (1984) Heroin addiction as a rare cause of symmetrical necrosis of the globus pallidus. Z Rechtsmed 93:227–235

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Riße M, Türker T, Weiler G (1998) Postmortale Differen­tialdiagnose und forensische Relevanz kutaner Blasenbil­dungen. Rechtsmedizin 8:141–146

    Google Scholar 

  • Saukko P, Knight B (2004) Knight´s forensic pathology, 3rd edn. Edward Arnold, London, pp 319–331

    Google Scholar 

  • Schollmeyer W (1961) Zur histologischen Differentialdiagnose der Hautblasen nach Hitzeeinwirkung und nach Barbitu­ratvergiftung. Dtsch Z Gesamte Gerichtl Med 51:180

    Google Scholar 

  • Schollmeyer W (1962) Zur Frage der Fettembolie des Lungenge­webes bei postmortal Verbrannten. Acta Med Leg Soc 15:77

    Google Scholar 

  • Schwerd W, Höchel K (1966) Vortäuschung von Strommarken. Arch Krim 138:1–7

    Google Scholar 

  • Shoji T (1997) Demonstration of heat shock protein, ubiquitin, in fire death autopsy cases by immunohistochemical study (in Japanese). Nippon Hoigaku Zasshi 51:70–76

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Sochor FM, Mallory KG (1963) Lung lesions in patients dying of burns. Arch Pathol 75:303

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Steiner D, Brinkmann B (1974) Mitursächlichkeit eines Thoro­trasts­chadens bei Tod durch stumpfe Gewalt. Z Rechtsmed 75:213

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Stolt FD (2005) Stromtodesfälle. Kriminalistik 5:297–299

    Google Scholar 

  • Stütz N, Weiss D, Reichert B (2006) Verletzungen durch Blitzschlag. Unfallchirurg 109:495–498

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Takamiya M, Saigusa K, Nakayashiki N, Aoki Y (2001) A histological study on the mechanism of epidermal nuclear elongation in electrical and burn injuries. Int J Legal Med 115:152–157

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Thurner J (1970) Iatrogene Pathologie. Urban & Schwarzenberg, München Berlin Wien

    Google Scholar 

  • Tsay HJ, Li HY, Lin CH, Yang YL, Yeh JY, Lin MT (1999) Heatstroke induces c-fos expression in the rat hypothalamus. Neurosci Lett 262:41–44

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Üzün I, Akyildiz E, Akif Inanici M (2008) Histopathological differentiation of skin lesions caused by electrocution, flame burns and abrasion. Forensic Sci Int 178:157–161

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Vianello F (1997) A man in the thunderstorm: coronary injuries and electric shock. Cardiology 8:486

    Google Scholar 

  • Villiers AJ, Gross P (1967) Radiation pneumonitis. X-ray induced lesions in hamsters and rats. Arch Environ Health 15:650

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Wankhede GA, Sariya DR (2006) An electrocution by metal kite line. Forensic Sci Int 163:141–143

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Weiler G, Riße M (1985) Tötung durch elektrischen Strom in der Badewanne. Beweisführung durch eine geformte lokale sowie eine lineare Strommarke. Arch Kriminol 176:82–88

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Weis A, Bohnert M (2008) Expression patterns of adhesion molecules P-selectin, von Willebrand factor and PECAM-1 in lungs. A comparative study in cases of burn shock and hemorrhagic shock. Forensic Sci Int 175:102–106

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Werthemann A (1930) Experimentelle Röntgenschädigung des Herzmuskels. Strahlentherapie 38:702

    Google Scholar 

  • Westman J, Sharma HS (1998) Heat shock protein response in the central nervous system following hyperthermia. Prog Brain Res 115:207–239

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Wilske J (1984) Der plötzliche Säuglingstod (SIDS). Springer, Berlin Heidelberg

    Google Scholar 

  • Wong HR, Ryan M, Mendez IY, Denenberg A, Wispe JR (1997) Heat shock protein induction protects human respiratory ­epithelium against nitric-oxide-mediated cytotoxicity. Shock 8:213–218

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Wright RK, Davis JH (1980) The investigation of electrical deaths: a report of 20 fatalities. J Forensic Sci 25:514–521

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Xenopoulos N, Movahed A, Hudson P, Reeves WC (1991) Myocardial injury in electrocution. Am Heart J 122:1481–1484

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Yost JW, Holmes FF (1974) Myoglobinuria following lightning stroke. JAMA 228:1147–1148

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Zack F, Hammer U, Klett I, Wegener R (1997) Myocardial injury due to lightning. Int J Leg Med 110:326–328

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Zhang P, Cai S (1995) Study on electrocution death by low voltage. Forensic Sci Int 76:115–119

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Zhu BL, Oritami S, Nagai K, Imura M, Fukita K, Maeda H (1997) Immunohistochemical investigation of pulmonary surfactant in fatalities due to fire. Leg Med 1997:405–407

    Google Scholar 

  • Zhu BL, Ishida K, Oritani S, Quan L, Taniguchi M, Li DR, Fujita MO, Maeda H (2001a) Immunohistochemical investigation of pulmonary surfactant-associated protein A in fire victims. Leg Med 3:23–28

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Zhu BL, Ishida K, Quan L, Taniguchi M, Oritani Y, Kamikodai Y, Fujita MQ, Maeda H (2001b) Postmortem urinary myoglobin levels with reference to the causes of death. Forensic Sci Int 115:183–188

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Zinck KH (1940) Pathologische Anatomie der Verbrennung. Veröffentlichungen aus der Konstitutions- und Wehrpatho­logie. Fischer, Jena, zit nach: Janssen 1977

    Google Scholar 

  • Zollinger HU (1960) Radio-Histologie und Radio-Histopatho­logie. In: Handb d Allgem Path 10, Teil 1:127. Springer, Berlin Heidelberg

    Google Scholar 

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

Authors

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Reinhard B. Dettmeyer .

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

Copyright information

© 2011 Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg

About this chapter

Cite this chapter

Dettmeyer, R.B. (2011). Heat, Fire, Electricity, Lightning, Radiation, and Gases. In: Forensic Histopathology. Springer, Berlin, Heidelberg. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-642-20659-7_7

Download citation

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-642-20659-7_7

  • Published:

  • Publisher Name: Springer, Berlin, Heidelberg

  • Print ISBN: 978-3-642-20658-0

  • Online ISBN: 978-3-642-20659-7

  • eBook Packages: MedicineMedicine (R0)

Publish with us

Policies and ethics