Clinicopathological Study of Coronary Artery Disease in Autopsy Specimens of Heart: A Retrospective Study

Poonam Sharma; Kuldeep Singh

Volume : VIII, Issue : II, February - 2019

Clinicopathological Study of Coronary Artery Disease in Autopsy Specimens of Heart: A Retrospective Study

Poonam Sharma, Kuldeep Singh

Abstract :

Aim/Objectives: The aim of this study was determine the prevalence, grading and site of involvement of coronary atherosclerosis in post-mortem hearts. Material and Methods: This retrospective study was carried out in the Department of Pathology over a period of 18 months. 350 Heart specimens obtained from medico legal autopsies were included. Coronary arteries were inspected grossly and sections from representative areas were studied for microscopic evidence of atherosclerosis by staining with Hematoxylin & Eosin (H&E). Results: Prevalence of atherosclerotic lesions was 38.2% with marked male preponderance. Significant atheroma appeared in 3rd decade onwards and gradually increased in frequency, reaching maximum prevalence in 5th decade. Left Anterior Descending (66.2%) followed by Right Coronary Artery (42.3%) were the commonly involved vessels. Single vessel and Triple vessel disease were seen in 36.7% and 33.1 % cases respectively. Conclusions: Autopsy based study of prevalence of Atherosclerotic lesions gives us a fair idea of Coronary artery disease burden in our population. There is a higher prevalence of atherosclerosis in Indians, which may be due to changes in life-styles and other risks factors. Adequate preventive measures should begin as early as third decade of life.