FMGE 2009 - Dental FMGE Practice Questions and MCQs
Question 1: Filigree burn occur in:
A. Lightning (Correct Answer)
B. Vitriolage
C. Electrocution
D. High voltage electrical injury
Explanation: **Lightning**
- **Filigree burns**, also known as **Lichtenberg figures**, are a pathognomonic sign of a **lightning strike**.
- These fern-like or tree-like patterns are caused by the flow of high-voltage current along the skin.
*High voltage electrical injury*
- High voltage electrical injuries typically cause **deep, severe burns** at the points of contact and along the current's path through the body, but generally **do not produce filigree burns**.
- The damage from high voltage is primarily due to thermal effects and can lead to extensive tissue necrosis and organ damage.
*Vitriolage*
- **Vitriolage** refers to injuries caused by **acid attacks**, which result in severe chemical burns.
- These burns are characterized by **tissue destruction and discoloration** specific to the corrosive agent, and do not present as filigree patterns.
*Electrocution*
- **Electrocution** refers to death caused by electric shock. While it involves electric current, it typically results in **entrance and exit wounds**, and internal organ damage.
- The term focuses on the fatal outcome and the direct path of the current through the body rather than specific superficial patterns like filigree burns, which are unique to lightning due to its massive, brief, and highly energetic discharge.