A unique case of unexpected electrocution inflicted by a single dry cell battery in very low voltage (9 V)

Abstract Background Although electrocutions commonly occur at domestic voltages of 100–240 V worldwide, fatal electrical injuries at voltages below 100 V are uncommon. We report an unusual fatal case of electrocution associated with a single 9 V dry cell battery. Case presentation A man in his 30s was found dead with metal wires inserted into the skin of his chest. The wires were connected to a 9 V dry cell battery. Postmortem computed tomography performed before autopsy provided detailed images of the internal structures, including the metal wires. One wire reached the myocardium, whereas the other remained in the thoracic soft tissue anterior to the heart. Autopsy and histopathological examination of the heart demonstrated pericardial fibrosis and granulation tissue consistent with a nonacute lesion, suggesting one or more prior episodes of foreign body stimulation. By contrast, the findings indicated that the myocardial wall was reached only shortly before death, with subsequent electrical stimulation precipitating a fatal arrhythmia. Conclusions This report describes a fatal electrocution involving an extremely low-voltage source. This rare case is of forensic interest and demonstrates the value of integrating postmortem computed tomography, autopsy, and histopathology in the investigation of electrocution. To the best of our knowledge, this may represent one of the lowest-voltage fatal electrocution cases reported to date.