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

Published on: September 27, 2020

Postmortem abdominal CT: assessing normal cadaveric modifications and pathological processes.

P Charlier¹, R Carlier, F Roffi

¹Department of Forensic Medicine and Pathology, University Hospital R. Poincaré (AP-HP, UVSQ), 104 R. Poincaré boulevard, 92380 Garches, France. ph_charlier@yahoo.fr

European Journal of Radiology

|February 8, 2011

Summary

This summary is machine-generated.

Postmortem non-enhanced computed tomography (CT) can identify abdominal lesions in suspected deaths. Familiarity with normal postmortem changes is crucial for non-forensic radiologists to avoid misdiagnosis.

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Area of Science:

Forensic Radiology
Medical Imaging
Postmortem Examination

Background:

Non-enhanced computed tomography (CT) is increasingly used in forensic investigations.
Understanding postmortem radiological changes is essential for accurate interpretation.
Distinguishing between ante-mortem and postmortem findings is critical in forensic cases.

Purpose of the Study:

To evaluate the utility of postmortem non-enhanced CT for detecting abdominal lesions in suspected death investigations.
To document common radiological changes in cadavers to aid non-forensic radiologists.

Main Methods:

Thirty cadavers underwent non-enhanced body CT scans.
Two independent radiologists reviewed CT findings.
Radiological findings were correlated with forensic autopsy data.

Main Results:

Common false positives included postmortem transudates (mistaken for bleeding) and putrefaction gas (mistaken for gas embolism).
False negatives involved subtle findings like small contusions, thromboses, and non-radiopaque foreign bodies.
Normal postmortem changes from livor mortis and putrefaction appear within hours.

Conclusions:

Non-forensic radiologists must recognize normal postmortem abdominal features to prevent misdiagnosis.
Identifying these features aids forensic practitioners and clinicians by highlighting informative lesions.