Learning objectives
To illustrate the correlation between post-mortem forensic computed tomography (CT) findings and autopsy results of vertebral injuries,
and to discuss the causes of misdiagnosed vertebral injuries on post-mortem forensic CT.
Background
The use of post-mortem imaging in forensic medicine is becoming increasingly common [1-4].
There are many differences between the findings of post-mortem CT and those of clinical CT.
Direct comparison of the CT findings and autopsy results is necessary to establish the usefulness of post-mortem CT in forensic medicine.
We have carried out post-mortem CT before forensic autopsy since May 2009,
and have experienced some cases of misdiagnosis with regard to vertebral injuries on post-mortem CT.
Vertebral injury can be a cause of death in...
Imaging findings OR Procedure details
MDCT Scanning protocol
Aquilion 8 MDCT,
Toshiba,
Japan
120 kVp
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 CT.
After receiving the autopsy reports from forensic pathologists,
the CT images were reviewed and the correlations between CT findings and autopsy results were discussed.
Vertebral Fracture
Figure 1 shows a vertebral body fracture.
The fracture line can be clearly seen on the CT image (Fig.
1).
The fracture was confirmed by autopsy (Fig....
Conclusion
Vertebral injury can be a cause of death in forensic major trauma cases.
Careful interpretation of the axial and reconstructed sagittal and coronal CT images is necessary to depict vertebral injuries.
It is sometimes difficult to diagnose vertebral injury,
especially ligamentous injury,
on post-mortem forensic CT.
Personal Information
Yusuke Kawasumi M.D.
Ph.D.
Course of Radiological Technology
Department of Health Sciences
Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine
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