Week 10: Forensic Pathology Flashcards
1
Q
What is an autopsy?
A
Examination of the body after death
2
Q
What are the 2 major types of autopsy?
A
Coronal = Part of a legally mandated process
Consent (aka “Hospital” Autopsy) = Investigates natural death or deaths where the cause is known
3
Q
How is an autopsy performed?
A
External Examination
Internal Examination:
- Remove and weigh major organs, take samples
- Ancillary Testing
4
Q
Why is finding the cause of death important?
A
- Accurate death stats needed for healthcare planning
- Can indicate hereditary problems for family members
- Helps rule out specific things
5
Q
What is sudden death?
A
Can be considered instantaneous or to occur within 1-24 hours from the onset of syymptoms
6
Q
What are some causes of death to do with the Coronary arteries?
A
- Atherosclerosis
- Dissection
- Vasculitis
- Aneurysms or Congenital Abnormalities
- Bridging and Spasm
7
Q
What are some non-coronary cardiac causes of death?
A
- Hypertensive heart disease
- Valve diseases
- Myocarditis
- Cardiomyopathies
- Infiltrative disorders
