[Autopsy as a tool for quality assurance: Leipzig]

Autopsy rates have declined throughout the world although autopsy serves as an important tool in quality management. Working together with the Department of Heart Surgery of the Heart Centre in Leipzig clinical and autopsy diagnoses were compared. Between 2000 and 2003 an autopsy was performed in 468 patients. Data from clinical and postmortem examinations were prospectively analysed regarding causes of death, concomitant diseases and postoperative complications. Discrepancies between clinical and postmortem cause of death were identified in 23.1% of these patients. In 99.1% of the patients concomitant diseases (e.g. myocardial hypertrophy, pulmonary embolism, former stroke) could be identified, 57.6% were unknown pre-mortem and 19.2% were considered to be of relevance for surgical therapy. Autopsy is the final and most comprehensive physical examination. Autopsy is also the basis of training for pathologists in interpreting interrelated diagnoses. Therefore the task of pathologists is to enhance the appreciation of autopsy among clinical colleagues by working closely side by side. By communication an autopsy can deliver an effective achievement in terms of being relevant for praxis.