ABSTRACT
Electrocution results from the passage of an electric current through the body with lethal mechanisms involving the heart with ventricular fibrillation, or the respiratory muscles or brain stem respiratory centers with respiratory paralysis/cessation. Current flow depends on the resistance of the conducting material. Contact with alternating current is more dangerous than direct current and is 4 to 6 times more likely to be fatal. In some cases, death may be caused by burning from the electric current, or from trauma or drowning secondary to the event. In cases where there has been survival for some time sepsis and/or multiorgan failure may occur. Most deaths are accidental, with suicides being far less common and homicides being very rare. Fatal electrocutions are attributed to low voltage if under 1000 volts, high voltage if over 1000 volts, or to lightning. A number of issues that arise during the autopsy evaluation of suspected cases will be discussed.
