Assessment of gross mucosal findings of stomach in cases of fatal poisoning

Abstract

Background: It has been estimated that pesticides were directly or indirectly is responsible for more than 1 million illnesses worldwide annually. The present study was conducted to assess gross mucosal findings of stomach in cases of fatal poisoning.Materials and Methods: 72 suspected cases of poisoning of both genders were selected and autopsies were done by routine autopsy procedure with routine autopsy instruments. Findings of external and internal examination were recorded. After opening of thoracic and abdominal cavity, stomach was dissected. Gross examination stomach was done and mucosa appearance as pale, congestion, haemorrhage, erosion, flatten rugae, edema, colour changes were noted. Results: Common poisoning was organophosphate in 24, organochlorines in 18, aluminium phosphide in 11, carbon monoxide in 8, snakebite in 5, hydrochloric acid in 3 and sulphuric acid in 2 cases. The difference was significant (P< 0.05). Gross findings were congestion seen in 26, hemorrhage in 14, erosion in 10, and flatten rugae in 6, edema in 12 and normal in 4 cases. Conclusion: Most common gross findings were congestion followed by hemorrhage, erosion, flatten rugae and edema.