Histopathological Analysis of the Spectrum of Forensic Pathology Lesions Over Two Years From a Tertiary Care Centre in Kerala: A Descriptive Study

Medicolegal autopsies provide key insights into the causes of death and disease evolution. This study analyzes the spectrum and frequency of histopathological alterations across major organ systems in medicolegal autopsies over two years at Government Medical College, Thrissur, a tertiary care center in South India.

This descriptive retrospective study included details of 831 autopsy cases. Histopathological findings from cardiovascular, respiratory, hepatobiliary, renal, central nervous, and accessory visceral systems were systematically categorized.

Male predominance was observed (594 cases, 71.5%). The 50-59 (21.1%) and 40-49 (19.3%) age groups were most represented. Evaluated left anterior descending (LAD) arteries (N = 388) frequently showed advanced atherosclerosis (AHA type V: 38.9%, 151 cases). In evaluated hearts (N = 628), hypertrophy was present in 19.1% (120 cases) and healed infarcts in 9.6% (60 cases). Evaluated lungs (N = 676) mostly showed congestion with edema (20.1%, 136 cases), isolated congestion (18.8%, 127 cases), and isolated edema (12.9%, 87 cases). Evaluated livers (N = 476) showed congestion (37.4%, 178 cases) and macrovesicular steatosis (21%, 100 cases). Evaluated kidneys (N = 445) demonstrated congestion (40.2%, 179 cases) and chronic kidney disease (18%, 80 cases).

Histopathological evaluation revealed a significant subclinical burden of chronic cardiovascular, respiratory, and metabolic conditions. Targeted histopathological examination in forensic autopsies enhances diagnostic precision and informs public health statistics.