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Table 3 Autopsy findings (N = 65)

From: Anaphylaxis-related deaths in Ontario: a retrospective review of cases from 1986 to 2011

Autopsy finding

Number affected (%)

Pulmonary congestion and/or edema

39 (60)

Severe edema

7 (11)

Mild edema

5 (8)

Upper airway edema (from lips to larynx)

30 (46)

Severe edema

11 (17)

Mild

5 (8)

Mucus plugging of bronchi and/or hyperinflation

11 (17)

Evidence of begin stung by insect

8 (12)

Skin showing site of sting

7 (11)

Hymenoptera found in vomit

1 (2)

Acute GI findings

 

Congestion of liver and/or spleen

9 (14)

Signs of vomiting (e.g. vomit in airway)

5 (8)

Gastric hemorrhage

3 (5)

CNS findings

 

Cerebral edema

10 (15)

Cerebral ischemia

5 (8)

Petechial hemorrhage

9 (14)

Lungs

3 (5)

Eye

2 (3)

Skin

2 (3)

Multi-organ

2 (3)

Skin edema

5 (8)

Conjunctiva edema

4 (6)

Acute cardiovascular findings

 

Acute MI

3 (5)

Acute myocardium congestion

1 (2)