Work

Neuropathological Features of Fatal Electrocution: A Histopathological Study for Cause-of-Death determination

Year: 2026

Type: preprint

Abstract: Background Determining the cause of death in electrocution is often challenging at autopsy, particularly when characteristic external electrical marks are absent. Reliable internal markers are scarce, and the neuropathological changes associated with electrocution remain underexplored. Objective To identify and characterize histopathological alterations in the brain in cases of fatal electrocution and evaluate their diagnostic utility. Methods A prospective observational study was conducted on 12 autopsy cases, including 7 confirmed electrocution deaths and 5 non-electrocution deaths (control). Brain tissue samples from multiple regions were processed using H&E and Golgi–Cox staining. Histopathological parameters, including neuronal morphology, vascular changes, haemorrhage, and dendritic architecture, were evaluated. Results Electrocution cases demonstrated neuronal destruction, axonal ballooning, focal hemorrhages, and dendritic disruption. Cerebellar involvement with Purkinje cell damage. Conclusion Comprehensive neurohistological technique may helpful in evaluation neuronal damage in electrocution death. Neuropathological findings, particularly neuronal and dendritic injury, may serve as supportive evidence in determining cause of death when external signs are absent.

Source: medRxiv

DOI: 10.64898/2026.09.21.26363180