PITUITARY GLAND PATHOLOGY: HISTOPATHOLOGICAL AND MORPHOLOGICAL FEATURES IN ACUTE AND SUDDEN DEATH
Abstract
Background: Sudden death is a major medical and forensic concern, often occurring unexpectedly and within a short period. The pituitary gland, as a central endocrine organ, is highly sensitive to systemic stress and hypoxia, which may contribute to fatal outcomes.
Objective: To evaluate the histopathological and morphological features of the pituitary gland in acute and sudden death cases.
Materials and Methods: A retrospective study was conducted on 40 cases of sudden death. Pituitary glands were dissected, fixed in formalin, embedded in paraffin, sectioned at 5 µm, and stained with hematoxylin and eosin. Vascular, cellular, and structural alterations were assessed, and findings were correlated with suspected causes of death.
Results: Vascular congestion was observed in 65% of cases, microhemorrhages in 30%, cytoplasmic vacuolization and nuclear pyknosis in 50%, anterior lobe collapse in 25%, and reduced posterior lobe staining in 30%. Cardiovascular-related deaths predominantly showed adenohypophyseal congestion and hemorrhages, while neurohypophyseal alterations were more common in respiratory-related deaths.
Conclusion: The pituitary gland demonstrates distinct histopathological and morphological changes in sudden death, reflecting acute stress and potential endocrine dysfunction. Detailed pituitary assessment enhances forensic evaluation and contributes to understanding mechanisms of sudden mortality.
Keywords
pituitary gland, histopathology, sudden death, adenohypophysis, neurohypophysis, forensic pathology
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