AGE RELATED HISTOPATHOLOGICAL CHANGES IN CARDIAC CONDUCTING SYSTEM IN TURKISH POPULATION: EVALUATION OF 202 AUTOPSY CASES

Abstract

Background: Histopathological features of cardiac conducting system (CCS) in Turkish population have not been investigated previously.

Methods: We examined CCS of 202 autopsy heart specimens dissected between the years 2004-2005 in Bursa Forensic Medicine Institution. Of the 202 cases from all age groups, 154 were males and 48 were females.

Results: In our cases increase in fibrous and adipose tissue concordant with age, indicating an age related nature, were detected. Fibrous and fatty tissue infiltration appeared at the age of 35. Fatty infiltration started at the age between 20 and 34 at sinoatrial node. In 4 cases calcification and in 19 cases inflammation was observed. Amyloid accumulation was not present. In 7 cases myocardial infarction not involving CCS was seen. In 1 case fibroelastoma was detected.

Conclusions: In Turkish population age related fibrosis and fatty infiltration in CCS appeared at the age of 35 and increased with age. Fatty infiltration in sinoatrial node started at a younger age than that of reported in the literature. In cases whom the cause of death could not be determined we could not detect lethal pathologic features. However we think that examination of the CCS will improve the quality of autopsy diagnosis.