Spectrum of Histopathological Findings among Autopsy Cases in Coastal Karnataka - A Retrospective Study

Background: Histopathological autopsy study helps in identifying various changes in multiple organs that aid in establishing the cause of death. It also helps in evaluation/ confirmation of antemortem/post mortem changes. This study was done to evaluate the spectrum of histopathological findings and to know the most common cause of death amongst autopsy cases in coastal region in Karnataka. Materials and methods: A retrospective observational study was conducted in the Department of Pathology, including all organs received for medicolegal autopsy for a period of 12 months, to study the spectrum of histopathological findings and also to determine the most common cause of death among autopsy cases in coastal Karnataka. Results: A total of 80 cases meeting inclusion and exclusion criteria were studied. Males were 75% and majority were between 35-50 years of age. Most common cause of death was found to be sudden death of cardiac cause. Most common histopathological finding was coronary atherosclerosis (59.4%) (LCA being most common) in the heart. Congestion and edema (85.9%) in Lungs. Steatohepatitis (63.79%) in Liver. Other organs showed predominantly normal histology. Conclusion: We conclude that sudden death due to cardiac event is the most common cause of death and coronary atherosclerosis was the most common histopathological finding observed in the area of coastal Karnataka.