RESUMO
Respiratory pathologies are some of the common causes of deaths and it has been reported that in almost 1/3rd cases of sudden deaths the primary pathology may be attributable to pulmonary pathology. One of the important aspect of respiratory pathologies is that they can progress rapidly over a short period of time and in many cases these pathologies may prove to be fatal. In such cases gross and histopathological examination of lung tissue can give valuable insights into the cause of death. We conducted this prospective study to study the pathological findings in the lungs of such cases. Methods: The present study was conducted in the department of forensic medicine and toxicology of a tertiary care medical college situated in an urban area. The duration of study was 2 years. All cases of natural deaths brought for medico-legal autopsy were included in this study on the basis of a predefined inclusion and exclusion criteria. Virchow’s technique for dissection was followed in all the cases. The demographic details, gross and histopathological examination of lungs was done and findings were noted. Statistical analysis was done using SSPS 21.0 software. P value less than 0.05 was taken as statistically significant. Results: The study consisted of a total 54 patients out of which there were 34 males and 20 females with a M:F ratio of 1:0.58. The most common affected age group was found to be between 30-40 years (22.22%). The mean age of males and females were found to be comparable with no statistically significant difference (P>0.05). Most people died within 3-7 days from time of admission (25.92%). Pneumonia was found to be leading cause of deaths in lung pathology which contributed to 74.7% cases. On gross pathology consolidation and pulmonary edema were most common findings whereas on gross as well as histopathological examination. Conclusion: Gross and histopathological examination of lung tissue in individuals dying due to natural causes can give valuable insights into the cause of death.