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Related Concept Videos

Imaging Studies I: CT and MRI01:14

Imaging Studies I: CT and MRI

Introduction: MRI and CT scans are crucial advancements in medical imaging techniques, playing a vital role in diagnosing conditions related to the gastrointestinal (GI) system. Each scan serves distinct purposes, targets specific areas, and requires unique nursing duties.
Description of the Procedures
Computed Tomography (CT) scan:
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X-ray Imaging01:24

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German physicist Wilhelm Röntgen (1845–1923) was experimenting with electrical current when he discovered that a mysterious and invisible "ray" would pass through his flesh but leave an outline of his bones on a screen coated with a metal compound. In 1895, Röntgen made the first durable record of the internal parts of a living human: an "X-ray" image (as it came to be called) of his wife’s hand. Scientists worldwide quickly began their own experiments with X-rays, and by 1900, X-ray was widely...
Computed Tomography01:10

Computed Tomography

Tomography refers to imaging by sections. Computed tomography (CT) is a non-invasive imaging technique that uses computers to analyze several cross-sectional X-rays to reveal minute details about structures in the body.
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Imaging Studies for Cardiovascular System V: CT01:28

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Cardiac computed tomography (CT) scanning is an advanced cardiac imaging technique that utilizes CT technology, with or without intravenous (IV) contrast, to produce accurate cross-sectional virtual slices of specific areas of the heart, coronary circulation, and major blood vessels such as the aorta, pulmonary veins, and arteries. The computer processes these slices to generate three-dimensional images. Multidetector CT (MDCT) is a rapid form of CT scanning that captures multiple slices...
Radiological Investigation I: X-ray and CT01:30

Radiological Investigation I: X-ray and CT

Radiological investigations, including X-rays and computed tomography (CT) scans, are critical for diagnosing and evaluating various medical conditions. These imaging techniques provide valuable insights into the body's internal structures, aiding in the detection of abnormalities, assessment of disease progression, and development of treatment strategies. This article delves into two primary radiological investigations, chest X-rays and CT scans, outlining their purpose, procedures, and the...

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 17, 2026

Image Rendering Techniques in Postmortem Computed Tomography: Evaluation of Biological Health and Profile in Stranded Cetaceans
12:32

Image Rendering Techniques in Postmortem Computed Tomography: Evaluation of Biological Health and Profile in Stranded Cetaceans

Published on: September 27, 2020

Postmortem imaging: MDCT features of postmortem change and decomposition.

Angela D Levy1, Howard Theodore Harcke, Craig T Mallak

  • 1Department of Radiology and Radiological Sciences, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, MD, USA. angela.d.levy@gunet.georgetown.edu

The American Journal of Forensic Medicine and Pathology
|December 17, 2009
PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

Postmortem changes like livor mortis and decomposition significantly alter postmortem multidetector computed tomography (MDCT) scans. Recognizing these changes is crucial to avoid misinterpreting them as injuries during forensic autopsies.

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Scanning Skeletal Remains for Bone Mineral Density in Forensic Contexts
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Scanning Skeletal Remains for Bone Mineral Density in Forensic Contexts
07:56

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Published on: January 29, 2018

Area of Science:

  • Forensic Radiology
  • Postmortem Imaging

Background:

  • Multidetector computed tomography (MDCT) is increasingly used in forensic autopsies.
  • Postmortem changes begin immediately after death and can mimic pathological findings.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To describe the MDCT appearance of postmortem changes and decomposition.
  • To differentiate postmortem changes from actual injuries on MDCT.

Main Methods:

  • Review of postmortem MDCT scans.
  • Correlation of imaging findings with known postmortem processes.

Main Results:

  • Livor mortis causes increased attenuation and hematocrit effect in vessels.
  • Decomposition (autolysis, putrefaction) leads to dramatic changes, including gas in tissues and effacement of brain structures.
  • Rigor mortis and algor mortis show no specific MDCT features.

Conclusions:

  • Understanding postmortem changes on MDCT is essential for accurate forensic interpretation.
  • MDCT findings related to decomposition, such as gas patterns and brain alterations, are significant.