The Importance of Histological Examination in Forensic Medical Practice

Abstract

Background: Histopathological examination plays a significant role in the precise determination of the cause of death. Death scene investigation, full medical history of the patient, thoroughly performed macroscopic exploration of the bodyand its internal organs, supported by the results from a microscopic histological examination of the tissues, determine the forensic medical autopsy standards. These, as well as the skills and the experience of the forensic 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 hospital treatment for anemia and an autopsy, requested by the relatives, was performed. It was concluded that the cause of death was a hypostatic pneumonia. During the autopsy a histological material was taken but no examination was made. Months later, following a prosecutor’s order a histological examination was performed and evidence for a disseminated intravascular coagulation was found. Conclusion: This is one of many cases in which there is a difference between the macroscopic and the histological diagnosis. Histopathological examination of the internal organs for the purpose of providing a medical cause of death is essential for the forensic practice and it should be undertaken whenever there is a doubt in the macroscopic diagnosis.