Pathology And Autopsy

Question 1

What are the purposes of a post-mortem?

Answer 1

• confirming a diagnosis or its extent
• revealing a diagnosis or explaining unexplainable findings
• investigating possible failings in surgery or other medical care

Question 2

Describe what post-mortems involve

Answer 2

1. Background information (PMH + summary of clinical events and treatment)
2. Autopsy (external and internal examination)
3. Further investigations (histology, neuropathology, biochemistry etc.)

Question 3

What do you look for as part of external examination of an autopsy?

Answer 3

• height/weight/BMI
• skin/hair/eye colour
• iatrogenic (scars, drains, IV lines)
• evidence of trauma
• jaundice, cyanosis, finger clubbing, lymphadenopathy

Question 4

Describe the process of internal examination in autopsy

Answer 4

1. Evisceration (removal of abdo and pelvic organs, and the brain)
2. Organ dissection
   - macroscopic assessment (inspection and dissection of each organ)
   - microscopic assessment

Question 5

After the autopsy is complete what are the final steps with the body?

Answer 5

• all organs returned to patient’s body cavity
• pathologist issues death certificate
• report prepared and sent to PF by clinician
• patient’s body reconstructed for family viewing
• body released for burial/cremation

Question 6

What are the broad categories of disease which can be viewed at post-mortem?

Answer 6

• neoplastic
• vascular
• infective
• inflammatory
• metabolic
• traumatic
• degenerative
• iatrogenic