Genetics and the Molecular Autopsy

The past several decades have brought about significant advances in molecular biology methods leading to an increase in the number and type of diagnostic molecular techniques used in cLinical practice. Today, these techniques are widely used for the diagnosis of inherited diseases as well as to aid in the evaluation and treatment of various cancers. While the autopsy has historically been a diagnostic tool which reLied heavily on physical findings supplemented by the results of basic laboratory studies, advanced molecular diagnostics are now also being utiLized to aid in postmortem evaluation and in some cases to identify the cause of death. Thus, the molecular autopsy is a powerful diagnostic tool that not only allows identification of a cause of death in cases which lack characteristic autopsy findings, but also has the potential to provide useful information for surviving family members and the community at large.