Potential of the autopsy.

The autopsy was originally performed to understand anatomy. It still has relevance in correlating physiologic and pathologic processes with anatomic structures. In the first half of this century, it was an important tool in experimental investigations, the discovery of new diseases, and the identification and correlation of known clinical entities with particular cells, tissues, and organs. Since the early 1950s, the autopsy has suffered a regression in terms of interest, the number of competent autopsy physicians and of autopsies, financial reimbursement, and a lack of support from the medical community. Simultaneously its relevance to teaching, the ensuring of accurate diagnoses for therapy, and providing material for the investigation of unique human diseases, has increased. It will take a decade of support to produce a reversal of this trend. The leadership resides in the academic institutions that have the most resources. Academic pathologists could help rejuvenate the autopsy by emphasizing the utilization of human tissue for research and for transplantation, giving new significance to the autopsy and reinforcing its roles in patient care and graduate education.