Autopsy in sudden unexplained death in youth: indispensable or in some cases redundant? An observational study.

UNLABELLED

Sudden Unexplained Death in Youth (SUDY) requires thorough investigation to identify underlying causes and guide prevention strategies. In the Netherlands, cases are investigated using the standardized Postmortem Evaluation of Sudden Unexplained Death in Infants and Children (PESUDIC), in which autopsy is offered as a standard component. However, its invasive nature and associated time burden may limit parental acceptance. This study evaluated to what extent the cause of death can be established using a limited set of diagnostic tests compared to the standard procedure including autopsy. In this observational study, children > 2 years of age who died suddenly and unexpectedly and underwent PESUDIC, including imaging and autopsy, were included. Two expert panels, consisting of a forensic and a pediatric specialist, independently assessed early diagnostic tests available before autopsy. Cases were classified by level of diagnostic certainty and need for autopsy. Panel conclusions were compared with the reference standard: a multidisciplinary audit incorporating all available information, including autopsy findings. Sixty-six cases were included (median age 12 years (IQR 4-14.7), 63% male). Panels identified indicative information for a cause of death in 60 patients (91%). Nevertheless, autopsy was required in most cases (n = 59) to confirm the diagnosis. In 7 cases (10.6%), panels were sufficiently confident to establish the cause of death without autopsy with complete agreement with the reference standard. Causes included obstructive gastrointestinal pathology (n = 5) and diabetic ketoacidosis with dehydration (n = 2).

CONCLUSIONS

 Only a small proportion of children > 2 years of age with sudden unexpected death have a cause of death that can be established with sufficient certainty at an early stage. In the vast majority of cases, the cause of death remains uncertain, supporting the recommendation to perform an autopsy.

WHAT IS KNOWN

• Autopsy in sudden unexplained death in youth is worldwide recognized as the gold standard for postmortem examination. However, its invasive nature and associated time burden may limit parental acceptance.

WHAT IS NEW

• In 7 of 60 sudden and unexplained deceased minors (10%), sufficient certainty regarding the cause of death can be obtained by other minimal invasive diagnostic test, so without the need of an autopsy. Causes without the need of an autopsy included obstructive gastrointestinal pathology and diabetic ketoacidosis with dehydration.

© 2026. The Author(s).