Learning objectives
To illustrate the correlation between post-mortem forensic CT findings and autopsy results,
and outline the helpful information for forensic autopsy that radiologists should provide to forensic doctors.
Background
The use of post-mortem radiological imaging is becoming increasing widespread in forensic medicine [1-4].
Its utility has been shown and there is a possibility that post-mortem radiology will become established as a new sub-specialty of radiology [5].
One of the most important roles of post-mortem radiological imaging is to help identify the cause of death.
In many cases,
it is very difficult to determine the cause of death from radiological images alone and an autopsy is still necessary for an accurate diagnosis of the cause...
Imaging findings OR Procedure details
MDCT Scanning protocol
Aquilion 8 MDCT,
Toshiba,
Japan
120kVp
Head: conventional scan,
4.0-mm slice thickness
Whole body: helical scan,
2.0-mm slice thickness
All cases underwent a conventional autopsy soon after the CT.
After receiving the autopsy reports from forensic pathologists,
we reviewed the CT images and discussed the correlation between the CT findings and autopsy results.
Case 1
Case History:
An elderly woman was stabbed numerous times with a sharp instrument.
The victim was taken to a hospital,
but declared dead in the emergency room....
Conclusion
Post-mortem radiological imaging has a role not only in determining the cause of death,
but also in providing helpful information for the autopsy.
The radiologist should interpret the images with this in mind and give helpful information to the forensic pathologist.
Personal Information
Yusuke Kawasumi M.D.
Ph.D.
Course of Radiological Technology
Department of Health Sciences
Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine
References
1.
R.
Dirnhofer,
C.
Fackowski,
P.
Vock,
et al.
(2006) VIRTOPSY: Minimally invasive,
imaging-guided virtual autopsy.
RadioGraphics 26:1305-1333
2.
S.
A.
Bolliger,
M.
J.
Thali,
S.
Ross,
et al.
(2007) Virtual autopsy using imaging: bridging radiologic and forensic sciences.
A review of the Virtopsy and similar projects.
Eur Radiol 18:273-282
3.
S.
P.
Stawicki,
V.
H.
Gracias,
S.
P.
Schrag,
et al.
(2008) The dead continue to teach the living: examining the role of computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging in the setting of postmortem...