Exome sequencing-based molecular autopsy of formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded tissue after sudden death

Abstract

Purpose:Sudden death in the young is a devastating complication of inherited heart disorders. Finding the precise cause of death is important, but it is often unresolved after postmortem investigation. The addition of postmortem genetic testing, i.e., the molecular autopsy, can identify additional causes of death. We evaluated DNA extracted from formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded postmortem tissue for exome sequencing-based molecular autopsy after sudden death in the young.Methods:We collected clinical and postmortem information from patients with sudden death. Exome sequencing was performed on DNA extracted from fixed postmortem tissue. Variants relevant to the cause of death were sought.Resu..