Lichtenberg figures are seen in? – Forensic MCQ

Lichtenberg figures are seen in?
A. Heat stroke
B. Radiation injury
C. Lightning
D. Electrocution

Correct answer: C. Lightning

Lichtenberg figures in the leg of a person – notice the red branching pattern

 

• Lichtenberg figures is an external lesion seen in lightning strike.
• Superficial, thin, tortuous markings are seen on the skin.
• When the pattern resembles a fern leaf, it is called Lichtenberg figures or filigree burns.

Lightning is a naturally occurring Lichtenberg figure

Ref: Textbook of Forensic Medicine and Toxicology, V. V. Pillay, 14th edition, p198.

Image credits:
Lichtenberg figures in the leg: James Heilman, MD. Licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 3.0 Unported license. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Lightning_injury.jpg
Lightning: Postdlf.  Licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 3.0 Unported license. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Lightning_in_Arlington.jpg