Autopsy: its role in clinical quality control in the elderly in the 1990s

The accuracy of pre-mortem diagnosis was investigated in 100 patients (age range 65–97 years) undergoing autopsy. Post-mortem rate was 22%. In 32% of cases there were discrepancies between ante- and post-mortem diagnosis; in 14% these may have affected therapy or outcome. We conclude that autopsy remains a useful tool in clinical quality control, and should be part of a quality assurance plan in all geriatric units.