Cave vulgantem morbum--tuberculosis

This study investigates the circumstances surrounding all cases of tuberculosis found at autopsy in Auckland during the period 1975-1992. Cases were placed in one of six categories according to the medical history and autopsy findings. Of the 34 cases in the study 22 were clinically undiagnosed prior to autopsy. Of these, six exhibited respiratory symptoms that should have led to a diagnosis and three reported unexplained chronic symptoms such as weight loss for which tuberculosis should at least have been considered. Only 10 cases were correctly diagnosed before death. The autopsy plays an important role in finding undiagnosed cases of tuberculosis, as patient contacts may then be followed up. The vital role of post-mortem examination in medical audit and public health is, once again, demonstrated.