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DOI: DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.21088/ijprp.2278.148X.7418.5

Abstract

Introduction: Malaria is a very stubborn disease which has been taking steady toll of human life even now. It has been mentioned in the literature that many unexpected/ unexplained deaths occurred in malaria endemic regions and on autopsy of these deaths, cause turn out to be malaria.

Material and Methods: This was descriptive observational study conducted for the period of two years. All the diagnosed or suspected cases of cerebral malaria were included in study. Whenever cerebral malaria diagnosed or suspected, brain was removed with usual autopsy technique and fixed with routine techniques.

Results: Out of 3588 autopsies, 60 (1.67%) were the cases of cerebral malaria. On gross examination of brain; the characteristic slate-grey colour was observed in 58.33% (35) cases and presence of malarial pigment seen in other organs.

Conclusion: In malaria endemic areas, unexplained and/or unexpected deaths, should be critically investigated with the autopsy examination.

Keywords: Malaria; Autopsy Findings; Cerebral Malaria. 

Corresponding Author : Kapil Bharat Palekar Assistant Professor, Department of Pathology, SMBT Medical College, Nandi Hills, Dhamangaon Ghoti, Tal. Igatpuri, Dist Nasik, Maharashtra 422403, India.