Historically, autopsy literature has been relatively sparse and Diagnostic Pathology: Hospital Autopsy, published in 2024, is a very welcome new addition that addresses this gap, providing a comprehensive, contemporary reference for modern post-mortem practice.

This book is part of the well-regarded Diagnostic Pathology series and continues the collection’s hallmark style with a colourful, visually engaging layout.

As a trainee with an active autopsy practice, I find this book particularly useful as a reference to dip in and out of, cross-check facts, and reinforce practical knowledge.

The text is richly illustrated with high-definition macroscopic photographs and photomicrographs, providing excellent examples of pathological findings across all body systems. Its bullet point format makes complex information easy to read and digest, while concise tables correlate macroscopic findings with clinical disease processes, serving as a practical refresher for clinical medicine.

The book is organised into 3 major sections: autopsy fundamentals, organ system approach, and disease process approach. The first section covers basic principles, including consent and autopsy report writing. The latter sections are structured logically to include all modes of death, with insightful pearls on hot topics such as COVID-19-related pathology and postmortem radiography.

The only minor limitation is that the book is written with an American perspective, so certain practices and legal aspects may differ from those in the UK.

Overall, I find Hospital Autopsy to be an invaluable resource for both trainees and practicing autopsy pathologists and one I anticipate consulting regularly throughout my career.

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