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Williams, V.F., Oetting, A.A. and Stahlman, S. “Update: Lightning strike injuries, active component” U.S. Armed Forces, 2008-2017. MSMR. 25(9):20-24. Sep 2018.

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Article

Lightning Injury Caused by a Side Flash

1Department of Acute Critical Care Medicine, Shizuoka Hospital, Juntendo University


American Journal of Medical Case Reports. 2020, Vol. 8 No. 12, 538-540
DOI: 10.12691/ajmcr-8-12-29
Copyright © 2020 Science and Education Publishing

Cite this paper:
Kei Jitsuiki, Ken-ichi Muramatsu, Shin-ichi Shoda, Youichi Yanagawa. Lightning Injury Caused by a Side Flash. American Journal of Medical Case Reports. 2020; 8(12):538-540. doi: 10.12691/ajmcr-8-12-29.

Correspondence to: Youichi  Yanagawa, Department of Acute Critical Care Medicine, Shizuoka Hospital, Juntendo University. Email: yyanaga@juntendo.ac.jp

Abstract

A 29-year-old male soldier, who was taking part in a military field training exercise during summer, lost consciousness and fell backwards while sheltering at the foot of a tree that was struck by lightning during a thunderstorm. Upon arrival, his vital signs were stable. He had a linear burn at the right brachium with headache. Electrocardiography, cardiac ultrasound and whole body computed tomography revealed no specific findings. Blood biochemistry revealed rhabdomyolysis. The post-admission course was uneventful. This is a rare report of a patient who received a side flash from a tree during a lightning strike. Service members who routinely train and work outdoors should be vigilant in relation to the dangers of lightning.

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