Nationwide autopsy registration over 30 years

Area of Science:

• Pathology
• Medical Informatics

Background:

• The Japanese Pathological Society has maintained a nationwide autopsy registration system since 1958.
• Autopsy data is published annually in the "Annual of Pathological Autopsy Cases in Japan" (Bouken Shuho).

Purpose of the Study:

• To introduce Japan's unique, nationwide autopsy registration system.
• To detail the data collection, publication, and evolving computerization of autopsy findings.

Main Methods:

• Data collection through a nationwide autopsy registration system.
• Annual publication of autopsy cases, including descriptive and statistical sections.
• Computerized tabulation of data since 1974 and desktop publishing since 1984.

Main Results:

• The Bouken Shuho presents approximately 40,000 autopsy cases annually, representing about 5% of all deaths in Japan.
• Statistical data includes disease, age, sex, geographical location, and cancer-related information.
• A project is underway to create a fully computerized document retrieval system.

Conclusions:

• The Japanese autopsy registration system provides valuable, long-term data on causes of death.
• Ongoing computerization efforts aim to enhance data accessibility and analysis capabilities.