Rare gripping object in electrocution: Cadaveric spasm at its best

Cadaveric spasm causes instantaneous rigor without preceding post-mortem flaccidity. The precise pathophysiological basis of this phenomenon is still unknown. We report a case of accidental electrocution where the deceased was found dead with a metallic water supply pipe of a motor booster pump firmly gripped in his hand. In this report, we review the literature and consider the mechanisms that may cause this phenomenon.

[1]  K. Jung,et al.  Emergency cricothyrotomy for trismus caused by instantaneous rigor in cardiac arrest patients. , 2012, The American journal of emergency medicine.

[2]  P. Bedford,et al.  The occurrence of cadaveric spasm is a myth , 2013, Forensic Science, Medicine, and Pathology.

[3]  Bernard Knight,et al.  Knight's Forensic Pathology , 2004 .

[4]  Bernard Knight,et al.  Knight's Forensic Pathology, 3Ed , 2004 .

[5]  R. Rautji,et al.  An unusual suicide by stabbing: a case report. , 2003, Medicine, science, and the law.

[6]  J. Garavaglia,et al.  Weapon location following suicidal gunshot wounds. , 1999, The American journal of forensic medicine and pathology.

[7]  R. Rautji,et al.  2. An Unusual Suicide by Stabbing , 2003 .

[8]  S. Henderson,et al.  Excited Delirium , 2011, The western journal of emergency medicine.

[9]  Y. Gaillard,et al.  Instantaneous rigor after fatal pholcodine intoxication. , 2014, British journal of clinical pharmacology.

[10]  R. B. H. Gradwohl,et al.  Gradwohl's Legal medicine , 1968 .

[11]  W. Lawler.  Bodies recovered from water: a personal approach and consideration of difficulties. , 1992, Journal of clinical pathology.

[12]  I. C. Stone.  Observations and statistics relating to suicide weapons. , 1987, Journal of forensic sciences.