A Comprehensive Retrospective Evaluation of Autopsy Findings and Histopathological Changes in Cases of Fatal Electrocution in Western Ghats of Karnataka, India.

BACKGROUND: Aim of this study is to give an account on autopsy򟿿ndings and istopathological changes in fatal electrocution cases. Secondary aim as to know the epidemiological pro򟿿le, cause of death and its relation to survival period in fatal electrical injuries. STUDY DESIGN: A retrospective study was undertaken of all fatal electrocution ases autopsied in mortuary of Dr. Prabhakar Kore Charitable Hospital of Belagavi, Karnataka, India between January 2011 to December 2021. Data was collected from autopsy reports, police information and hospital records. It was further analyzed and expressed in percentage. RESULTS: Cases represented 8.2% of all autopsy cases. Only 27% ases were due to low voltage electric current. Burn injury was seen in 81% f total cases. 43% cases showed both entry and exit mark. When skin of this area was sent for histopathological examination there was mononuclear in򟿿ltrate and ubepidermal separation seen. There were interstitial hemorrhages on right atrium of heart and hemorrhagic foci were seen on kidneys and lungs too. Petechial hemorrhages were seen on heart, lungs, brain. CONCLUSIONS: Histopathological 򟿿ndings can be used as evidence in termining cause of death. Deaths due to electrocution demands more closer awareness.