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Clinical autopsy: methodological applications and scientific perspectives in post-mortem diagnostics
Martina Padovano1, Matteo Scopetti2, Federico Manetti1
1Department of Anatomical, Histological, Forensic and Orthopedic Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy.
Objective:
To analyze mortality from natural causes in hospital and out-of-hospital settings using clinical autopsy, emphasizing its methodological rigor and scientific contributions.
Methods:
The present retrospective study included 1,340 autopsies conducted at the Umberto I General Hospital (2017-2023). Standardized protocols were applied, including complete autopsies, ancillary investigations (histopathology, imaging, microbiology, genetics), and systematic data collection.
Results:
Out of 912 natural deaths, cardiac pathologies were the leading terminal cause (70.3%), followed by vascular (10.4%) and respiratory disorders (7.0%). Males (71%) predominated, with peak mortality between 55-74 years. Ancillary methods were crucial in identifying causes, particularly in individuals < 30 years where macroscopic findings were absent. Genetic studies helped identify hereditary cardiac conditions, enabling preventive family screening.
Conclusions:
Clinical autopsy remains indispensable for determining the cause of death and improving diagnostic accuracy. A rigorous, standardized approach with ancillary methods enhances scientific understanding and public health interventions. Expanding post-mortem diagnostics and promoting centralized facilities is vital for quality mortality assessments.
