Intracerebral venous thrombosis and hematoma secondary to high-voltage brain injury

J Trauma. 1997 Jun;42(6):1161-4. doi: 10.1097/00005373-199706000-00032.

Abstract

We report the case of a 19-year-old male who sustained an electrodynamic (16.67 Hz) high-voltage (15,000 V) railway overhead cable injury. He lost consciousness 30 minutes after contact and died secondary to brainstem herniation as a result of intracerebral swelling within 8 days. Repeated cranial computed tomography revealed a huge hemispheric mass bleeding accompanied by subarachnoidal hemorrhage. Additionally, necropsy showed an extensive thrombosis of the adjacent cerebral veins. The pathophysiological mechanism of this unusual injury is discussed.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Brain Diseases / etiology
  • Brain Stem / pathology
  • Electric Injuries / complications*
  • Electric Injuries / pathology
  • Fatal Outcome
  • Hernia / etiology
  • Humans
  • Intracranial Embolism and Thrombosis / etiology*
  • Intracranial Embolism and Thrombosis / pathology
  • Male
  • Subarachnoid Hemorrhage / etiology*
  • Subarachnoid Hemorrhage / pathology