Forensic imaging of projectiles using cone-beam computed tomography.

Area of Science:

• Radiology
• Forensic Medicine
• Medical Imaging

Background:

• Detecting projectiles in gunshot injuries is challenging due to metallic artifacts obscuring deformation and precise location.
• Cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) is an emerging 3D imaging technique with potential in forensic applications.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the efficacy of CBCT versus MDCT in analyzing projectile characteristics and tissue damage in simulated gunshot injuries.
• To determine the superiority of CBCT in visualizing hard-tissue damage and projectile location in forensic contexts.

Main Methods:

• Three modern projectiles with identical kinetic energy were fired into pig cadaver heads (n=6).
• Projectile deformation, tissue destruction, and location were analyzed using both CBCT and MDCT.
• Standardized firing conditions ensured reproducibility of tissue damage.

Main Results:

• Projectiles exhibited varied deformation patterns despite similar kinetic energy.
• CBCT demonstrated reduced susceptibility to metallic artifacts compared to MDCT.
• CBCT excelled in visualizing bone destruction near projectiles and projectile deformation.
• MDCT provided more detailed soft tissue evaluation.

Conclusions:

• CBCT is an advanced diagnostic tool for evaluating gunshot injuries, outperforming MDCT.
• CBCT's strength lies in detecting hard-tissue damage and precise projectile localization near metallic objects.
• CBCT enhances the forensic evaluation of high-density projectile impacts.