Forensic Pathological Context of Sudden Cardiac Death

Background:The reasons behind sudden cardiac death often remain unidentified, even after comprehensive postmortem investigations, histological assessments, and toxicological evaluations, which can result in negative autopsy findings in certain instances.This study aims to assess individuals who have experienced sudden cardiac death (SCD) and have been subjected to medico-legal autopsy.The study aims to describe the features of Sudden Cardiac Death, observe various histopathological changes in cases of sudden death and determine the frequency of association of coronary changes with sudden death.Methods: This retrospective cross-sectional study examined 100 cases of sudden cardiac death occurring within 24 hours.During the autopsy, the heart and coronary arteries were meticulously dissected to identify any pathological conditions, and the specimens were subsequently subjected to histopathological analysis. Results:The majority of individuals affected by sudden cardiac death (SCD) were male, accounting for 78% of cases, with the highest incidence observed in the age group of 51 to 60 years, representing 36% of the victims.Nearly 30% of those who succumbed to SCD had a survival duration ranging from 6 to 12 hours.Conclusion: A thorough and meticulous autopsy is essential in sudden cardiac death cases to identify the precise cardiac pathology.It helps uncover structural or electrical abnormalities, guides family screening, and supports accurate diagnosis.Such evaluations are critical for improving preventive strategies and advancing understanding in forensic and clinical cardiology.