Aims: To determine the frequency of anaphylactic deaths amongst coronial autopsy cases performed in the greater Auckland region from 1985 to 2005, and review the circumstances of death and autopsy findings.

Methods: A computerised search for anaphylactic deaths was performed using the Forensic Pathology Department database at Auckland City Hospital. Postmortem reports and police reports were reviewed to determine the circumstances of death. Details recorded included basic demographic data, medical history, agent responsible for the allergic reaction, and pathologic findings at autopsy.

Results: A total of 18 cases of anaphylactic deaths were identified for the study period, including nine males and nine females, age range 33-76 years, mean 51.9 years. There were 10 reactions to drugs or contrast media (4 anaesthetic agents, 3 antibiotic, 2 IV contrast media, 1 streptokinase), four to bee/wasp venom, two to seafood, and two undetermined. Death occurred within 1 hour of onset of anaphylaxis in 12 cases. Findings at autopsy included non-specific pulmonary oedema and congestion (n = 13), laryngeal oedema (n = 5), cerebral hypoxia (n = 4) and cutaneous oedema (n = 1). Serum tryptase levels were measured in 15 cases, and were significantly elevated (>20 µg/L) in eight cases.

Conclusion: Anaphylactic reaction is an uncommon cause of sudden death. In many cases, no specific macroscopic or microscopic findings were detected at autopsy. In the presence of a typical clinical history, postmortem measurement of serum tryptase levels can be a useful diagnostic aid.