Multidetector computed tomography findings in deaths with severe burns

Area of Science:

• Forensic pathology
• Radiology
• Toxicology

Background:

• Charred remains present unique challenges in forensic investigations.
• Determining cause and manner of death requires specialized techniques.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare postmortem multidetector computed tomography (MDCT) findings with autopsy results in charred human remains.
• To evaluate the utility of MDCT as a complementary tool to autopsy in fire-related fatalities.

Main Methods:

• Seventeen male subjects with charred remains underwent total body MDCT prior to autopsy.
• Autopsy included serum carboxyhemoglobin measurement.
• MDCT findings were correlated with autopsy observations.

Main Results:

• MDCT accurately depicted all thermal tissue alterations and lethal fracture patterns.
• Autopsy identified fire as a contributory cause of death when carboxyhemoglobin was elevated.
• MDCT showed limitations in detecting lethal vascular and visceral injuries.

Conclusions:

• MDCT is a valuable adjunct to autopsy for charred remains, enhancing limited autopsies.
• This approach is particularly beneficial in mass casualty incidents involving fire victims.