Negative histopathology of Lichtenberg figures in lightning deaths supports physiologic phenomena as the cause

Abstract

Lichtenberg figures are an uncommon consequence of lightning strikes, characterized by unique, branching patterns that resemble tree-like structures on the skin. There are several theories on the possible mechanism by which these Lichtenberg figures are produced on the body, supported mainly by the skin's conductivity and the path of the electrical discharge. There is not much literature on the potential histopathological findings of these burn marks. We are reporting a case of a teenage male found unresponsive in an open field during a rainy day. On autopsy examination, Lichtenberg figures were seen over the body with no significant internal findings apart from petechial hemorrhages in the heart. The histopathological examination of the Lichtenberg figures did not show any significant findings. The absence of histological findings in the Lichtenberg figures in our case supports the contention that these markings derive from physiologic changes and are not burns.