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Updated: Aug 15, 2026

Image Rendering Techniques in Postmortem Computed Tomography: Evaluation of Biological Health and Profile in Stranded Cetaceans
Published on: September 27, 2020
Does imaging technology overcome problems of conventional postmortem examination? A trial of computed tomography
Mutsumi Hayakawa1, Seiji Yamamoto, Hisako Motani
1Department of Legal Medicine, Graduate School of Medicine, Chiba University, Chiba, Japan. moo600@faculty.chiba-u.jp
Abstract:
We used a mobile computed tomography (CT) unit for postmortem examinations of deceased subjects to see how many mistakes on cause-of-death diagnoses were made in Japan. In 5 of 20 cases, the cause of death determined by CT was different from the diagnosis made by superficial postmortem examination. In one case, the superficial examination suggested no trauma, whereas a subdural hematoma was found on cranial CT images. We concluded that postmortem examinations in Japan were not effective when screening for crimes or accidents. Using a mobile CT scanner in postmortem examination may be a viable method of screening for causes of deaths, although it cannot be used as a substitute for autopsy.
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