Pathology: autopsy

Question 1

What is the goal of an autopsy?

Answer 1

determine cause of death

Question 2

What are the steps of a clinical autopsy?

Answer 2

1. review consent form
2. reveiw clinical history
3. complete a pre-autopsy review form
4. external examination
5. Y-incision
6. en-bloc removal
7. separation of blocks
8. weigh/measure; describe, photograph
9. take pertinent sections for histologic review

Question 3

What are some causes of myocarditis?

Answer 3

infection (many different kinds- coxasckie, flu, HIV, CMV), chamydiae, rickettsiae, fungi, yrypanosoma cruzi, trichonosis,
or, immune mediated reactions
or, unknown, like sarcoidosis or giant cell myocarditis

Question 4

What is giant cell myocarditis? (presentation, epi)

Answer 4

presents as flu-like syndrome that rapidly prgresses to severe heart failure
may be associated with autoimmune or drug hypersensitivity
this is rare and usually affects young to middle aged patients

Question 5

Besides giant cell myocarditis, what are some other reasons for giant cells in the heart?

Answer 5

sarcoidosis, TB, post-surgery

Question 6

What is the main cause of myocarditis in the US?

Answer 6

viral infection