The Importance of Histological Examination in Forensic Medical Practice

Abstract

Background: Histopathological examination plays a significant role in the precise determination of the cause ofdeath. Death scene investigation, full medical history of the patient, thoroughly performed macroscopic explorationof the bodyand its internal organs, supported by the results from a microscopic histological examination of thetissues, determine the forensic medical autopsy standards. These, as well as the skills and the experience of theforensic medical expert, guarantee an accurate forensic medical diagnosis for the medico-legal needs.Methods: In order to sustain our preposition, we present a case from our practice. A man died during a hospitaltreatment for anemia and an autopsy, requested by the relatives, was performed. It was concluded that the causeof death was a hypostatic pneumonia. During the autopsy a histological material was taken but no examinationwas made. Months later, following a prosecutor’s order a histological examination was performed and evidencefor a disseminated intravascular coagulation was found.Conclusion: This is one of many cases in which there is a difference between the macroscopic and the histologicaldiagnosis. Histopathological examination of the internal organs for the purpose of providing a medical cause ofdeath is essential for the forensic practice and it should be undertaken whenever there is a doubt in the macroscopicdiagnosis.