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DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.21088/ijfmp.0974.3383.17124.2

Abstract

Context: Medico-legal autopsy is performed to find out the cause, time of death and identify
diseases which could have contributed to the death. Gross and microscopic examination,
toxicological analysis and laboratory investigations will aid in establishing the cause of death.
Histopathological analysis is considered as the gold standard in finding out a cause of death in
cases of sudden death or when there is no history of any previous illness.
Methods and Material: Four infant autopsies were conducted and their respective organs
which included lungs, liver and brain and were received in our department.
Statistical Analysis used: Results were tabulated, analyzed, and subjected to statistical
analysis using SPSS (Statistical Package for Social Sciences) Software (Trial version).
Results: First case showed fat emboli which was an incidental finding. Second was a case of
hyaline membrane disease in a newborn. Third one was a case of steatohepatitis in a 9 month
old child and the last one was an incidental finding of gemistocytic astrocytoma which was
undiagnosed antemortem.
Conclusion: The precise cause of death must be determined with reference to clinical, autopsy,
and forensic findings before reporting histopathological finding. Histopathology in autopsy plays
a vital role in the study of some of the rare lesions contributing to the knowledge of pathology.
This study highlights the various incidental and rare cases in autopsies, which are of critical value
in academic and research purposes.

Keywords : Fat emboli; Gemistocytic astrocytoma; Hyaline membrane disease; Autopsy; Incidental finding. Key Messages: Histopathological evaluation of various incidental and rare cases in autopsies.

Corresponding Author : Mrudula Yerawar,