How often are heart diseases correctly diagnosed antemortem in children with fatal illnesses? A retrospective review of medical and autopsy records

J Postgrad Med. 2023 Oct-Dec;69(4):224-226. doi: 10.4103/jpgm.jpgm_608_23.

Abstract

This retrospective study analyzed the concordance level between clinical and autopsy diagnosis of heart diseases over six years. Utilizing the Goldmann classification, the concordance rate was found to be 38.1%. Major discrepancies (Class I and II) were found in 39% cases and minor (Class III and IV) in 22.9% cases.

Keywords: Congenital heart defects; diagnostic errors; heart failure; medical audit; transthoracic echocardiography.

MeSH terms

  • Autopsy
  • Cause of Death
  • Child
  • Diagnostic Errors
  • Heart Diseases* / diagnosis
  • Humans
  • Retrospective Studies