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An atlas overview of characteristic features of tuberculosis that may be encountered at autopsy

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Abstract

Tuberculosis (TB) is a bacterial infection caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Although primarily a disease of the respiratory system it may be found in any organ or tissue. Global population movements and the emergence of resistant strains are contributing to increasing numbers of cases in certain populations. Subtlety of symptoms and signs, chronicity of disease and failure to seek medical assistance may result in the diagnosis only being made at the time of autopsy. For this reason forensic pathologists need to understand the protean manifestations of the disease and the variable mechanisms by which TB may cause death. This atlas overview provides descriptions of the pathological manifestations of TB in a variety of organs with accompanying illustrations. It serves as a summary of conditions that should be checked for at autopsy in suspected or confirmed cases.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Forensic Science South Australia (FSSA) and the School of Medicine, The University of Adelaide, Level 2 Medical School North Building, Frome Road, Adelaide, South Australia, 5000, Australia

    Lilli Stephenson & Roger W. Byard

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  1. Lilli Stephenson
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Correspondence to Roger W. Byard.

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Stephenson, L., Byard, R.W. An atlas overview of characteristic features of tuberculosis that may be encountered at autopsy. Forensic Sci Med Pathol 16, 143–151 (2020). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12024-019-00161-y

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