Lightning injury: management of a case with ten-day survival

Am J Dis Child. 1977 Apr;131(4):413-5. doi: 10.1001/archpedi.1977.02120170039007.

Abstract

A boy, injured by lightning, had cardiopulmonary arrest. Following resuscitation and during the course of hospitalization, he developed further cardiac arrhythmia, cerebral edema, generalized seizures, and upper gastrointestinal bleeding. Despite efforts to combat these complications, the patient's condition deteriorated, and he died on the tenth day of hospitalization. The pathologic findings are described and the treatment discussed.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Apnea / etiology
  • Arrhythmias, Cardiac / etiology
  • Brain Edema / etiology
  • Electric Injuries / complications
  • Electric Injuries / mortality
  • Electric Injuries / pathology
  • Electric Injuries / therapy*
  • Epilepsy / etiology
  • Gastrointestinal Hemorrhage / etiology
  • Heart Arrest / etiology
  • Humans
  • Lightning*
  • Male
  • Myocardium / pathology