Typical morphologic findings in a SIDS autopsy

External examination

Well-developed, well-nourished baby

Frothy, blood-tinged fluid around the nose (50%)

Cyanosis of the lips and nail beds

Hypostatic staining anteriorly, suggesting face-down position

Internal examination

Pulmonary congestion

Pulmonary edema

Thymic petechiae (up to 80%)

Persistent hepatic erythropoiesis

"Subacute" inflammation of the upper respiratory tract (up to 60%)

Focal fibrinoid necrosis of the larynx

Full expansion of the lungs

Liquid blood in the heart

Normal, prominent lymphoid tissue

Empty urinary bladder (50%)

Percentages refer to frequency of this finding in infants undergoing autopsy with a final diagnosis of SIDS.

SIDS: sudden infant death syndrome.

Data from Berry PJ. Pathological findings in SIDS. J Clin Pathol 1992; 45:11.

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