Autopsy review of sudden natural death cases at rural government medical college in Maharashtra

Introduction: Sudden deaths in apparently healthy persons might raise doubt of foul play. Hence medico-legal autopsy in such cases is needed to satisfy the aggrieved relatives and it also gives a systemic view of various causes of deaths in such cases which ultimately improve mortality statistics. Material and Methods: Retrospective analysis of sudden natural death cases which were brought for medico-legal autopsy at Rural Govt. Medical College & Hospital during the three year period was studied. The data was compiled, tabulated and analyzed statistically. Results: The incidence of sudden natural death is 16.01%. Most common age group involved was 41-50 years followed by 31-40 years. Male predominance (77.42%) was noted. Most commonly affected system was cardiovascular system (53%) followed by respiratory system (33.64%). Among the cardiovascular system causes Coronary artery disease was accounted in 88.7% of cases. Among the respiratory system causes pneumonia was predominant with 50.69% cases. Conclusion: The incidence of sudden natural death is 16.01%. Males having age 41-50 years are most commonly affected. Cardiovascular diseases contribute to most of the sudden natural deaths of which Coronary artery disease is the leading cause. Increased awareness with regular health checkups is needed among the population at risk so as to improve quality of life.