Coroner's Autopsies in Nigeria Capital City of Abuja: A Review of 65 Consecutive Cases

Abstract

This present study reviews 65 consecutive coroner's autopsies performed at Department of Pathology, Asokoro District Hospital, Abuja, Nigeria over two year period(March 2010 to February 2012). The coroner autopsies represent 70% of the total autopsies during this period of study. There were 60 males against 5 females with a male: female ratio of 12:1 and their ages ranged between 17 and 62 years with a mean of 37.5 years. 98.5% of the studied groups were Negroid while 1.5% was Caucasian. The most common indications for coroner autopsies were homicidal deaths (47.6%), sudden unexpected natural deaths (32.4%). Accidents deaths made 18.5%, of all deaths and suicides 1.5%.