Lecture 4- learning From The Dead Flashcards
Why are autopsies important?
To assess impact of medical interventions
Because discrepancy often exists between medical diagnosis and actual cause of death (25%)
Provides evidence for criminal proceedings
Allows for research
Give answers to grieving families
Provide families with genetic knowledge of disease
What is the difference between an autopsy and post Mortem and necropsy
They’re all the same
What are the three types of autopsy?
Medicolegal- no consent needed
Consent- family want to know more
Forensic
Medicolegal autopsies?
No consent required
Done on behalf of coroner
Performed if doctor could not determine cause of death, patient not seen doctor in over 14 days, unnatural death, potential defect in medical treatment, deceased unknown
What happens in an autopsy?
History
Physical examination
Internal examination- trying to be less invasive now through using scans, blood tests etc
What additional tests can be used in autopsies?
Microbiology
Toxicology- drugs etc
Histology
Biochemistry- DKA etc
Molecular- genetic diseases
What are some common causes of sudden death?
Heart
Lungs
Blood vessels
Head
What is extramural haemorrhage?
When bleeding occurs outside dura. Will compress brain and push it down which compromises centres for respiration and control of heart
What is subdural haemorrhage?
Occurs under dura mater and can be caused by direct trauma.
What is sub arachnoid haemorrhage?
Often caused by a ruptured aneurysm
What is an aneurysm?
Weakened and bulging blood vessel
What two types of stroke are there?
Ischaemic and haemorrhage
Ischaemia means vessels are blocked
Haemorrhage means vessels can be compressed and blood flow occluded
What is cardiomyopathy?
Disease of heart muscle which usually causes it to become enlarged. Not caused by inflammation or ischaemia.
Often leads to hypertrophy and arrhythmia
What can cause peritonitis?
Perforated duodenum.
Peritoneum almost ice of tennis court. Get massive oedema with sepsis
What is useful for looking at blood vessels in post mortem?
CT angiography
