Description
Fatal anaphylaxis is an unusual but under-diagnosed condition at autopsy. Post mortem findings are commonly non-specific and, therefore, the clinical history is often vital to making the diagnosis. Further investigations, in particular measurement of serum mast cell tryptase, also have an important role, particularly in those cases lacking the classical macroscopic features of anaphylaxis. The tryptase level should be determined in all suspected cases and also in cases of sudden unexplained death with absent post mortem findings.
