What is pathognomonic for a lightning strike injury?

What is pathognomonic for a lightning strike injury?

• A. Feathering/fern-shaped burn on the skin
• B. Linear burn
• C. Circular burns
• D. Vesicular eruption

Answer: (A)

The key idea is a sign that uniquely points to lightning injury. The feathering, fern-shaped skin markings—known as Lichtenberg figures—are considered pathognomonic for a lightning strike. These delicate, branching patterns appear on the skin from the high-voltage electrical discharge and are not typical of other burn types. They’re often seen immediately after exposure and may fade within hours to days, reflecting superficial vascular patterns from the strike rather than deep tissue burns. Other burn patterns like linear, circular, or vesicular eruptions can occur for various reasons and do not specifically indicate a lightning injury.

The key idea is a sign that uniquely points to lightning injury. The feathering, fern-shaped skin markings—known as Lichtenberg figures—are considered pathognomonic for a lightning strike. These delicate, branching patterns appear on the skin from the high-voltage electrical discharge and are not typical of other burn types. They’re often seen immediately after exposure and may fade within hours to days, reflecting superficial vascular patterns from the strike rather than deep tissue burns. Other burn patterns like linear, circular, or vesicular eruptions can occur for various reasons and do not specifically indicate a lightning injury.