What medical examiner’s and coroner’s offices should know about molecular autopsy

Abstract

A molecular autopsy consists of “postmortem genetic testing of decedents who died naturally, suddenly, and unexpectedly at young ages.” Molecular autopsies can enable a more accurate determination of cause of death in cases where the scene investigation, medical records review, toxicological analysis, and autopsy procedures have yielded negative or inconclusive results or positive results that may indicate a genetic cause. Knowing which variants are detected in the decedent can help guide genetic counselor recommendations for future testing, including which relatives may be highest at risk because of the variants’ inheritance patterns, and assist physicians in providing more precise medical care and monitoring recommendations for patients who have a higher predisposition to develop conditions that cause sudden death.