Standardizing Postmortem Coronary Angiography in Routine Autopsies Using Barium Contrast Agent

Coronary artery disease remains one of the leading causes of death globally, with the assessment of coronary narrowing being a particularly challenging and meticulous task. To address this, we conducted a coronary angiography study on 55 subjects using a barium sulfate and water mixture, forming a paste-like consistency ideal for radiographic imaging. After administering the barium contrast agent, we took detailed radiographs of the subjects’ hearts. These radiographs allowed us to meticulously examine the coronary arteries for any narrowing or abnormalities in their pathways. Our goal was to enhance the detection and understanding of coronary artery disease during routine autopsies by providing clearer and more precise imaging. When comparing radiological findings with histopathological results using Hematoxylin and Eosin stain, stenosis was observed in 31 samples. Histologically, 26 samples showed coronary stenosis, while radiological examination detected stenosis in 11 samples. Agreement in estimating stenosis severity occurred in 13% of cases, with radiography underestimating in 71% and overestimating in 16% of cases. This method is effective for detecting clear cases of stenosis and is both user-friendly and time-efficient. This simple method, usable even in remote areas with basic X-ray equipment, significantly improves the accuracy and efficiency of postmortem coronary assessments, providing valuable insights into coronary pathologies.