Abstract: Objective To investigate the pathological characteristics and differential diagnosis of sudden cardiac death (SCD). Methods The causes and ages of death, the predisposing factors, and the pathological changes of SCD were analyzed according to the anatomical and pathological materials of SCD in 178 cases in our college. Results The data showed that coronary artery disease, conduction system abnormality, myocarditis, and cardiomyopathy are main causes of SCD. Coronary artery disease was the main cause of SCD in elderly; while conduction system abnormality, myocarditis, and cardiomyopathy were main causes of SCD among young adults. The congenital heart disease, conduction system defects, and myocarditis were more common in children. Conclusion Etiology determines pathological characteristics. The pathological changes are what forensic medicine rely on to make a diagnosis.

Key words: forensic pathology, sudden cardiac death, differential diagnosis