Normal Vs. Enlarged Weight of Internal Organs in an Autopsy

An autopsy is an investigation to determine the cause of death under suspicious circumstances, or when there is no explanation of death by natural cause. Weighing and measuring organs determines signs of disease or trauma. Autopsy information provides keys to the prevention and treatment of disease.

Measuring Methods

• Organ weight is measured in grams, and overall size is measured in centimeters. Measurements of normal and enlarged organs are noted on autopsy reports, as the slightest margin of difference can be an indicator of condition prior to death. Abnormal decreased size and weight of organs are also indicators of conditions present prior to death.

Comparative Analysis

• There is not one uniform weight or size for each organ. Medical examiners and pathologists primarily make comparisons based on body weight, age and gender. Dr. Stephen J. Nelson is a neuropathologist who notes that normal brain weight correlates to the height, weight and sex of the decedent. Some tables listing organ weights use race and lifestyle factors in determining a range of normal organ sizes.

Enlarged vs. Heavy

• Organs that appear enlarged during an autopsy, may not always have increased weight. In describing an autopsy that reveals a fatty liver condition, Dr. Ed Friedlander, mentions that the liver weighs light, even though it is a bit too big. Reports of enlarged hearts found in an autopsy after the death of athletes such as wrestler Chris Benoit, are reported as signs of hidden heart trouble which may or may not have been a cause of death.