Aim of this study was to assess the role of different imaging post-processing techniques in providing information that could significantly contribute to the identification of the cause of death in forensic investigations.

Nowadays, forensic radiology is often applied in criminal investigations [1]. In particular, post-mortem computed tomography (PMCT) plays a main role in this field [2-5]. Indeed, PMCT allows the collection, prior to the autopsy, of whole-body information in a short time and without being invasive [6-10]. Being CT imaging based on the representation of tissues according to their different attenuation of the radiation beam, PMCT is especially suitable for the assessment of the skeletal system. Thus, in the forensic setting, bone fractures due to traumatic and/or...

PMCT protocol Prior to the PMCT scan, the correct positioning of the cadaver should be achieved but paying attention to do not cause any alteration of the body. Then, the acquired volume depends on the type of accident even if, especially in violent assaults or traumatic events, a whole-body scan allows the collection of more information. A thin slice thickness (i.e., 1 mm) protocol is usuallyrecommended in order to guarantee high-quality reconstructions. Different windowings (i.e., bone, soft tissue, lung) should be then applied on the...

Considering the importance of PMCT in forensic medicine, radiologists should be familiar with the most appropriate post-processing techniques and their role according to the type of investigated crime.

A. Lupi; Padua/IT - nothing to disclose L. Mondin; Padua/IT - nothing to disclose A. Viero; Padua/IT - nothing to disclose M. Montisci; Padua/IT - nothing to disclose R. Stramare; Padua/IT - nothing to disclose G. Viel; Padua/IT - nothing to disclose E. Quaia; Padua/IT - nothing to disclose G. Cecchetto; Padua/IT - nothing to disclose C. Giraudo; Padua/IT - nothing to disclose Amalia Lupi, MD Radiology Institute, Department of Medicine – DIMED Padova University, Padova, Italy E-mail: [email protected]

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