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 usually recommended in order to guarantee high-quality reconstructions.
Different windowings (i.e., bone, soft tissue, lung) should be then applied on the standard axial images to easily depict all changes due to the post-mortem process or related to the injuries [Figures 1, 2A, 3 A and B, 4A, 5A].
Post-processing techniques
Multiplanar reconstructions
MPR images are bi-dimensional reconstructions that show the acquired volume according to sections on the sagittal, coronal or oblique plane. Such reconstructions allow a better characterization, for instance, of bone fractures. [Figures 2B, 4B]
Volume rendering
VR provides tridimensional images that, according to the selected contrast can provide crucial information about injuries affecting different areas and tissues. Indeed, VR reconstructions with a bone preset can be useful for the characterization of the pattern of skeletal fractures [Figures 2 C and D, 3C] or gunshot wounds [Figures 5B, 6A] while a soft tissue windowing may allow the detection of stab wounds [Figure 7]. This latter method provides a good representation also of thermal injuries [Figure 4, C and E].
Shaded Surface Display
SSD allows a three-dimensional visualization of CT volumetric data, which can be displayed with any perspective. This technique, alone or together with VR, plays a significant role in case of known or suspected stab injuries. Indeed, it allows the detection of small lesions, which could be overlooked on the standard axial view [Figure 3D]. SSD can be successfully applied also to characterize gunshot wounds [Figure 6B] as well as to provide a comprehensive representation of the body [Figure 4, D and F].
Cinematic Rendering
This novel three-dimensional technique is based on an algorithm simulating the propagation and interaction of light rays as if they would they would cross the data [13]. Promising preliminary results have been shown in the literature, thus we can expect an increase of its application in the next years [13].