The application of a variable-pressure scanning electron microscope with energy dispersive X-ray microanalyser to the diagnosis of electrocution: a case report

Leg Med (Tokyo). 2004 Mar;6(1):55-60. doi: 10.1016/j.legalmed.2003.08.006.

Abstract

We describe here a case of accidental electrocution. A 48-year-old male was found dead in his room. At autopsy, there was a current mark on the right thumb and big toe. Histological examination revealed that the skin wound had the characteristics of a current mark, including vacuolation and elongation of the cell nuclei. We could also identify titanium metallization on the skin surface of the current mark using a variable-pressure scanning electron microscope (VP-SEM) equipped with energy dispersive X-ray microanalyser (EDX). The autopsy finding and the subsequent investigation support the conclusion that the cause of his death was electrocution. Our result shows that the VP-SEM with EDX is a useful tool for the forensic diagnosis of electrocution.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Accidents, Home
  • Autopsy
  • Electric Injuries / diagnosis*
  • Electric Injuries / pathology*
  • Electron Probe Microanalysis
  • Fatal Outcome
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Microscopy, Electron, Scanning
  • Middle Aged