Histopathology of pulmonary lesions in autopsy cases

Abstract

Introduction: Autopsies are carried out to establish the identity, cause of death, time of death and antemortem or postmortem nature of death. A wide variety of pathological conditions involve the lungs. Aim: To study the prevalence and pattern of lung lesions in autopsy cases, confirmed by histopathological examination. Material and Methods: This is an observational study carried out in the pathology department at tertiary care center. Lung tissues from autopsy cases were preserved in 10% formalin, processed and examined microscopically. A total of 500 cases were studied during a 4 year's period from 2017 to 2020. Results: Among the 507 autopsy cases studied, lung specimen from 7 [1.38%] cases were autolyzed hence excluded from the present study. Out of 500 study cases, 70 cases [13.8%] showed unremarkable histopathology. Wide spectrum of microscopic findings was seen in the rest [84.81%] of the cases. Conclusion: Autopsy remains vital and important complimentary tool in identifying and understanding pulmonary lesions. Histopathological study of lungs at autopsy may reveal various lesions and their relative inputs toward death.