Autopsy study of sudden unexpected deaths

Introduction: WHO defined sudden death as sudden unexpected death of a person usually seen within 24 hrs of onset of symptoms. Autopsy study helps in effective evaluation of cause of death and to apply such knowledge to the prevention and treatment of disease in society. Material and Methods: Seven years retrospective study was done in pathology department in tertiary care center in which 150 cases were studied. After performing autopsy, organs were grossly examined, representative sections were taken, routine tissue processing, H and E staining and microscopic examination of slides was done. Result: Age ranged from 0 to 70 years with mean age of 41-50 years. Male (111) to female (39) ratio was 2.85:1. Deaths due to cardiovascular causes accounted for 60.7% followed by respiratory disease 18%, vascular pathology 5.3%, Hepatobiliary lesions 4.6%, Gastrointestinal diseases 3.4%, central nervous system diseases 3.4%, Unknown causes contributed to 4.6%. Coronary artery disease (67%)constituted most common cause of sudden cardiac death. In respiratory causes 9.4% of deaths were due to lobar pneumonia. Cirrhosis accounted for 2% in hepatobiliary lesions. 2.7% death occured due to gastrointestinal perforation. In 4.7% where cause of death could not be determined, death can be attributed to diseases like ventricular arrhythmias, coronary vasospasm. Conclusion: Diseases of cardiovascular system are the major contributing factor for sudden natural deaths. Among these coronary artery disease is most common factor. Sudden natural deaths were associated with treatable coronary risks such as hypertension, diabetes, alcohol smoking. Pneumonia can be attributed to poor hygine, malnutrition and low socio economic status. By modifying these factors sudden deaths can be decreased.