Learning objectives
To illustrate the correlation between post-mortem forensic CT findings and the autopsy results of hanging,
and to outline the findings from hanging cases analysed through post-mortem forensic CT scans.
Background
The use of post-mortem CT imaging is growing in forensic medicine [1-4]; however differing findings have been reported between post-mortem and clinical CT.
Thus,
a direct comparison of CT findings and autopsy results are necessary to establish the utility of post-mortem CT in forensic medicine.
Here,
we performed a comparison of post-mortem CT prior to forensic autopsy in hanging cases from May 2009 and illustrate and describe the findings from these cases.
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.
Reconstructed 3D surface images can depict a ligature mark.
The orientation of this ligature mark is the key to identifying differences between typical hanging,
atypical hanging,
and ligature strangulation....
Conclusion
From postmortem forensic CT,
hanging displays characteristic findings,
including a ligature mark,
deviation of the hyoid bone,
fracture of the hyoid bone,
and fracture of the superior horn of the thyroid cartilage.
These findings may prove helpful in distinguishing typical hanging,
atypical hanging,
and ligature strangulation.
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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