An examination of forensic autopsy cases with pulmonary embolism

Abstract

The aim of this study was to examine the frequency, origin, histopathology, and risk factors of PE, the vascular characteristics causing obstruction and the direct or indirect effect on mortality. A retrospective examination was made of autopsies conducted between 2013 and 2016 in the Malatya Forensic Medicine Group Directorate. Cases determined with PE were evaluated in respect of age, gender, event origin, risk factors, history of hospitalization, size of the vessels obstructed by the thromboembolism and histopathological examination. Pulmonary embolism is a frequently seen complication during hospitalization and is one of the leading causes of preventable hospital deaths. When advanced diagnostic methods are used, deep vein thrombosis is determined in 79% of PE patients. The annual incidence in Turkey is approximately 15/10,000 cases, which is comparable to rates in western populations. Although PE is seen more at advanced ages, attention must be paid to young cases with trauma-related injuries. Histopathological examination is of the greatest importance as the mortality rate associated with large vessel obstruction is high and obstructions in small vessels alone also contribute to mortality.