Research Journal of Medical Sciences
ISSN: Online 1993-6095ISSN: Print 1815-9346
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Abstract
Sudden cardiac death (SCD) is a leading cause of mortality worldwide and has seen an increase since the COVID‐19 pandemic. Understanding the histopathological changes in both normal and diseased hearts is crucial for identifying the underlying causes of SCD. Cardiac autopsies remain a vital diagnostic tool for studying these changes. This study was conducted to evaluate the histomorphological findings in hearts from medicolegal autopsies, with a focus on identifying common pathological conditions associated with sudden death. To analyze and document the histomorphological changes in the heart in sudden death cases and to provide insights into the most common cardiac pathologies contributing to these deaths. A retrospective study of 161 cardiac autopsies performed between May 2021 and April 2023 was conducted at the Department of Pathology, ACSR Medical College, Nellore. Data were collected on the age, sex, heart weight and histopathological findings in each case. Gross and microscopic examinations were performed to identify key histomorphological features, including the presence of myocardial infarction, atherosclerosis and hypertrophic changes. Of 161 cases, 134 (83.23%) were male and 27 (16.77%) female, with the highest incidence (44.71%) between ages 41 and 60. Heart weights ranged from 100 to 600 grams, with 34.78% exceeding 350 grams. Left ventricular wall thickening occurred in 28 cases (17.39%) and right ventricular in 14 cases (8.69%). Atherosclerosis (39.13%) and myocardial infarction (34.78%) were the most common findings. Hypertrophy was seen in 22 cases (13.66%), with right and left ventricular hypertrophy in 5.59% and 6.21%, respectively. Other findings included endocarditis, laceration and coronary vessel calcification in 21 cases. The study highlights that atherosclerosis and myocardial infarction are the most common histopathological findings in sudden cardiac death cases. Cardiac pathologies, particularly those related to ischemic heart disease, were more prevalent in males and individuals over 50 years of age. The findings underscore the importance of addressing modifiable cardiovascular risk factors to reduce the incidence of sudden death.
How to cite this article:
Sushma Chandulee Kancharla, Srinivasulu Kande, P. Neeraja, Sucharita Pathivada and Venkata Sai Prasad Bharatala. Histomorphology of Cardiac Autopsies in Sudden Death: A Two‐Year Autopsy Study.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.36478/10.36478/makrjms.2023.8.201.206
URL: https://www.makhillpublications.co/view-article/1815-9346/10.36478/makrjms.2023.8.201.206