Sun10October1036AM 9

This 52-year-old man was found collapsed on a golf course.

Cardiopulmonary resuscitation was initiated. On arrival of the paramedics, he was noted to be in ventricular fibrillation.

What was the cause of his collapse?

(Please select 1 option)

Acute myocardial infarction

Lightning strike Correct

Acute rheumatic fever

Cardiac Lyme disease

Bacterial endocarditis

Explanation

The figure shows a 'ferning' or 'arborescent' rash pathognomonic of a lightning strike, also known as Lichtenberg figures.

"The pathology of lightning, or keraunopathy, is known only to a few specialists."1

Reference:

NASA Science. Human Voltage: What happens when people and lightning converge.

Answer Statistics

1

4%

2

87%

3

2%

4

8%

5

1%

Times answered: 248