Forensic Pathology for Police - Brainshare Public Online Library

Autopsy Findings 459
Fig. 17.14 Two electrical burn marks on the shirt of an individual who died of a low-voltage
electrocution
Fig. 17.15 Extensive high-voltage electrical burns in a power company employee who came into
contact with a powerline
Other Features
A process known as “metallization” may occur, in which small traces of metal from
the electrified source are transferred to the skin (or clothing). Applying potassium
ferrocyanide to the skin will result in black/purple discoloration, indicating that
metal has, in fact, been deposited on the skin.
Microscopically, skin and other tissues damaged by electricity may demonstrate
changes consistent with thermal damage. Frequently, the nuclei of cells become
thinned, elongated, and aligned in parallel with adjacent nuclei; this is sometimes
referred to as “nuclear streaming” (Fig. 17.21). Such changes are sometimes seen in
cells within the wall of the aorta. Special microscopic stains for metals such as iron
and copper can be used to identify areas of metal deposition.