The autopsy in the 21st century: time for reconsideration.

In recent years, the autopsy rate has dramatically declined. Using three cases, we attempt to explore the current questions concerning the value of the autopsy. The discussion centers around the importance of the autopsy to medicine and family members of the deceased, the impact of technological advances on the autopsy, and discordant pre- and post-mortem diagnoses. We conclude that the decrease in autopsy rates is secondary to underutilization of the autopsy as a diagnostic and educational tool.