CAVE-VULGANTEM-MORBUM - TUBERCULOSIS

This study investigates the circumstances surrounding all cases of tub erculosis found at autopsy in Auckland during the period 1975-1992. Ca ses were placed in one of six categories according to the medical hist ory and autopsy findings. Of the 34 cases in the study 22 were clinica lly undiagnosed prior to autopsy. Of these, six exhibited respiratory symptoms that should have led to a diagnosis and three reported unexpl ained chronic symptoms such as weight loss for which tuberculosis shou ld at least have been considered. Only 10 cases were correctly diagnos ed before death. The autopsy plays an important role in finding undiag nosed cases of tuberculosis, as patient contacts may then be followed up. The vital role of post-mortem examination in medical audit and pub lic health is, once again, demonstrated.