[Hit by lightning out of the blue].

Abstract

HISTORY AND CLINICAL FINDINGS:

A group of six hikers were hit by lightning out of the blue sky. The biggest harm was done to a 29-year-old man (size: 190 cm) while walking along a high spruce. He experienced a seizure with consecutive sinus tachycardia and hypertensive dysregulation. One year later he still complained about reduced physical strength. The other five hikers had less severe injuries.

INVESTIGATIONS:

Burns were detectable in five of six patients. Elevated creatine kinase and myoglobin were indicative for myolysis. Renal parameters were normal.

DIAGNOSIS, THERAPY AND COURSE:

All patients were treated with intravenous fluid and electrolyte substitution during transport to hospital. Two patients were additionally treated with metroprolol.

CONCLUSION:

Cardiac arrhythmias, usually tachycardia, myolysis, and seizures require early treatment with beta blockers, sufficient fluid supply, and antiepileptics. In patients with cardiac arrest after a lightning injury immediate cardiac resuscitation is crucial.

• Authors: H Duppel, M Löbermann, E C Reisinger
• Journal: Deutsche medizinische Wochenschrift (1946) (Dtsch Med Wochenschr) Vol. 134 Issue 23 Pg. 1214-7 (Jun 2009) ISSN: 1439-4413 [Electronic] Germany
• Vernacular Title: Aus heiterem Himmel vom Blitz getroffen.
• PMID: 19472092 (Publication Type: Case Reports, English Abstract, Journal Article)

Topics

• Adult
• Aged
• Burns, Electric (etiology)
• Female
• Germany
• Humans
• Lightning Injuries (complications, diagnosis, therapy)
• Male
• Mountaineering (injuries)
• Seizures (etiology)
• Tachycardia, Sinus (etiology)
• Young Adult