The Needle Autopsy: A Retrospective Evaluation of 394 Consecutive Cases

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Abstract
A series of 394 consecutive needle autopsies, including 357 unlimited ones and 37 limited to one or two organs, is analyzed. In each case, written permission to retrieve tissue with a biopsy needle had been secured from the nearest of kin after all efforts to obtain consent for a regular autopsy had failed. Liver tissue was recovered in 92 %, heart in 55%, lung in 46%, and kidney in 34% of the 357 unlimited needle autopsy cases. Measures to improve the organ yield in future cases are suggested. Meaningful pathologic findings were observed in over 77% of all specimens and are discussed in detail. The needle autopsy is not considered a substitute for a complete postmortem examination, but it can be a valuable procedure in cases where permission for a full autopsy cannot be obtained.

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