Gross and Histopathological Changes in Fatal Poisoning

Prospective two year study period, from 1^st August, 2008 to 31^st July, 2010, a total of 1,374 autopsies were performed at the centre, 70 cases were suspected cases or confirmed poisoning & those persons declared dead on arrival in the causality and suspected to be a case of poisoning. Incidence of deaths due to poisoning was 5.09%. Insecticide was commonest poison (22 or 31.42%), followed by alcohol intoxication 16(22.85%). Maximum deaths were due to cerebral edema 18(30.50%) cases. Cyanosis was present in maximum number (24 or 34.28%) of cases.

On gross examination, Stomach mucosa was congested in maximum number or 36(51.42%) cases. Sub mucosal hemorrhages in stomach were commonly seen in (12 cases) insecticide poisonings. On histopathological examination, in liver, fatty changes were seen in maximum number of (13 or 59.09%) cases followed by ballooning degeneration in 3(13.63%) cases. In kidneys, cloudy degeneration was seen in maximum (12 or 54.54%) cases followed by acute tubular necrosis in 8(36.36%) cases.