Acute abdomen: postmortem analysis of 31 cases in the Emergency Department - a monocentric retrospective study

Acute abdominal emergencies remain a leading cause of mortality in the emergency setting, often resulting in death before surgical intervention can be performed. During the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, these cases were further complicated by thrombotic and inflammatory mechanisms, with a notable increase in mesenteric ischemia. We conducted a retrospective monocentric study of 31 postmortem cases of acute abdomen occurring between January 1, 2019, and December 31, 2023, analyzing demographic characteristics, clinical presentation, laboratory parameters, imaging, and autopsy findings. Among 69 total deaths in the Emergency Department during this period, 31 were attributed to acute abdominal pathology, the majority involving elderly, septic patients with perforation or ischemia. Nine deaths from mesenteric ischemia occurred during the COVID-19 period, emphasizing severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2)-associated hypercoagulability. Other fatal cases included perforated ulcers, ruptured hepatic or pancreatic tumors, and advanced neoplasms with secondary peritonitis. Laboratory markers such as elevated lactate, leukocytosis, and coagulopathy corresponded with postmortem evidence of intestinal necrosis, thrombosis, or peritoneal contamination. Although urban patients predominated, rural patients frequently presented with advanced sepsis at admission. These findings highlight that acute abdominal emergencies carry high mortality and underscore the critical importance of early recognition, rapid triage, and multidisciplinary management. Postmortem analysis provides essential insights into fatal mechanisms and supports the refinement of diagnostic and treatment protocols to improve outcomes.