Pituitary Histopathology in Fatal Heroin Intoxication, Suicidal Hanging, and Sudden Cardiac Death: An Exploratory Retrospective Autopsy Study

Background/Objectives: The pituitary gland is highly susceptible to hypoxic–ischemic injury because of its distinctive vascular architecture, yet its forensic significance in non-traumatic deaths remains poorly defined. This study aimed to compare pituitary histopathology across deaths caused by different mechanisms of systemic hypoxia.

Methods

This retrospective observational study investigated pituitary histopathology in 30 forensic autopsies performed between 2019 and 2025, including suicidal hanging (n = 10), fatal heroin intoxication with respiratory failure (n = 10), and sudden cardiac death controls (n = 10). Hematoxylin–eosin-stained sections were systematically evaluated for hemorrhagic, ischemic, and necrotic changes and their anatomical distribution.