Pulmonary Changes in Asphyxia: An Autopsy and Histopathological Study

Abstract

Introduction: Asphyxial deaths constitute a significant proportion of medicolegal autopsies and require careful evaluation of both external and internal findings. Aim: To analyze the demographic profile, types of asphyxia, and associated pulmonary changes in medicolegal autopsy cases. Methods: A prospective study was conducted on 80 cases of asphyxial deaths at Government Medical College, Parbhani. Each case underwent complete autopsy with detailed gross examination of lungs, followed by histopathological analysis using hematoxylin and eosin staining. Data were tabulated and expressed as frequencies and percentages. Results: Hanging was the most common type of asphyxia (58.8%), followed by drowning (33.8%). Gross lung findings revealed congestion in 77.5% and edema in 60% of cases. Microscopically, pulmonary congestion (75%) and alveolar edema (67.5%) were the predominant changes, while intra‑alveolar hemorrhage (35%), atelectasis (20%), and hyaline membrane formation (7.5%) were less frequent. Conclusion: Hanging remains the leading cause of asphyxial death, with pulmonary congestion and edema serving as consistent markers of hypoxic injury. Histopathological examination of lungs provides crucial supportive evidence in confirming asphyxia and strengthens medico‑legal interpretation.

Keywords: Asphyxia; Hanging; Drowning