Multi-phase post-mortem CT angiography: development of a standardized protocol.

Area of Science:

• Forensic Radiology
• Vascular Imaging
• Post-mortem Examination

Background:

• Standardized protocols for post-mortem computed tomography (CT) angiography are lacking.
• Existing techniques may suffer from artifacts and incomplete vascular filling, hindering radiological interpretation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop an easily applicable and standardized protocol for high-quality post-mortem CT angiography.
• To enhance radiological interpretation by minimizing perfusion artifacts and ensuring complete vascular system filling.
• To standardize the execution of post-mortem CT angiography examinations.

Main Methods:

• Investigated 45 human corpses using post-mortem CT angiography.
• Employed different perfusion protocols, a modified heart-lung machine, and a novel contrast agent mixture.
• Evaluated CT angiographies based on vascular filling, image interpretability, and comparison with conventional autopsy conclusions.

Main Results:

• Satisfactory results were achieved with sufficient contrast agent volumes for complete vascular filling.
• A minimum of three angiographic phases and one native scan were necessary to avoid post-mortem perfusion artifacts.
• The developed protocol minimizes the risk of radiological misinterpretation.

Conclusions:

• A standardized protocol for quality post-mortem CT angiography has been developed.
• The protocol is easily applicable and yields high-quality, radiologically interpretable visualizations of the vascular system.
• This technique improves diagnostic accuracy in post-mortem investigations.