Trends and differences in the rates of autopsy in the United States, 2003 to 2020: A nationwide analysis.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Autopsy, the gold standard for determining the cause of death, is declining globally. Significant differences exist between clinical diagnoses and those revealed at autopsy. Evidence of disparities in autopsy rates between different patient groups has previously been reported.

Objective

To describe contemporary trends and disparities in autopsy rates according to sex, race, and urbanization, with particular attention to patients who have died because of cardiovascular disease (CVD).

Methods

We accessed the Center for Disease Control Wide-Ranging Online Data for Epidemiological Research "Underlying Cause of Death" dataset for 2003 to 2020, to assess trends in autopsy rates in all-comers and for different subgroups stratified by sex, race, and degree of urban

SUBMITTER: Nelson DM 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12411944 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Aug

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature