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