Spectrum of histomorphological changes in lungs at autopsy: A 5 year study

Abstract

Background: An autopsy is an essential and most beneficial way to find out state of the internal organs. Various inflammatory, neoplastic and other lesions along with almost all forms of terminal diseases complicate lungs. Autopsy can disclose the disease that may not be suspected clinically or may offer understanding of previous disease. Methods: This is the non-interventional record based cross-sectional study done in the Department of Pathology of North Maharashtra regional center. Cases were included irrespective of their age and sex. 1263 cases were studied during the period of January 2011 to December 2015. Gross and microscopic features were documented.Result: Amongst 1263 cases studied during the period of five years, maximum cases were seen in 20-29 years of age group. Males were more commonly affected (56.13%) compared to females (43.86%). Terminal changes like pulmonary edema and changes due to cardiac causes were most commonly (58.82%) seen in lungs at autopsy, followed by pneumonia (19.16%). Sickle cell disease, tuberculosis, acute respiratory distress syndrome and mycotic abscess accounted for 3.24%, 2.53%, 0.55% and 0.23% cases respectively. 0.39% cases showed metastatic lung cancer. Among the cases of pneumonia, interstitial pneumonia was most common (42.56%), presented most commonly in 20-29 years of age group with male preponderance (22.31%).Conclusion: Autopsy remains vital even after significant progress in diagnostic technologies. It is an important complimentary tool in identifying and understanding respiratory diseases that also helps in evaluating the disease process. Histomorphological studies of lungs at autopsy may reveal various diseases and their relative input towards death.    DOI: 10.21276/APALM.2017.961