To determine the prevalence and pattern of different pulmonary lesions in medicolegal autopsy confirmed by histopathological examination.

Material and Methods:

This retrospective study was carried out in the Department of Pathology over a period of one year in 162 cases. Autopsy specimens preserved in formalin were examined and microscopic findings were recorded in detail.

Results:

Mean age of patients in our study was 38 years and majority were males. Autolysed tissues were seen in 2.5% cases. Of all the examined cases, significant microscopic findings were seen in 87.6% cases with unremarkable findings in 9.9% cases. In patients with significant findings, edema and congestion were the commonest findings followed by interstitial inflammation. Tuberculosis and Pneumonia were seen in 12.0% and 10.6% cases while Emphysematous changes were seen in 5.6% cases.

Conclusions:

Autopsy remains a vital component for the study and evaluation of the disease process. Histopathology examination of autopsy lung tissue is helpful in evaluation of underlying lung pathology.