Forensic autopsy practice in the Middle East: Comparisons with the west

• Forensic/Autopsy practice between Western and Arab, Middle Eastern Countries show differences.
• Historical roots and educational programs in Forensic pathology are well established in the west.
• Social and religious obstacles are very prominent in some of the Arab Muslim countries.
• Virtual autopsy probably presents a useful tool in Arab Muslim countries as an alternative to conventional autopsies.
• More Forensic education is needed in Arab Muslim countries.

Autopsies are performed in the majority of Arab, Muslim countries. Several of these countries face social challenges and others do not have well established academic programs to teach the science. In this article we intend to review the history and practice of the forensic part of autopsies in a few Arab, Muslim countries (Egypt, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) and Kuwait) and compare it with the United States of America (USA) and the United Kingdom (UK), 2 countries where the practice of forensic science and Forensic pathology is well established. This was achieved by pub med literature search and the distribution of a questionnaire to colleagues in Arab countries. We recommend that Arab countries explore the field of virtual autopsy to overcome some of the social challenges related to dissection of the cadaver. Kuwait can benefit from the introduction of Forensic training given the high workload in the country.