[Significance of postmortem computed tomography in forensic autopsy and its possible issues]

Area of Science:

• Forensic Pathology
• Radiology
• Medical Imaging

Background:

• Postmortem imaging (PMI), including CT and MRI, is increasingly used in forensic casework.
• The integration of postmortem CT (PM-CT) into routine forensic autopsies requires evaluation of its impact and utility.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the short-term impact and utility of postmortem CT (PM-CT) in routine forensic autopsy cases.
• To compare PM-CT findings with autopsy results for identification and pathomorphological assessment.

Main Methods:

• A prospective study of 121 forensic autopsy cases (fetus to 92 years old) over 9 months.
• Comparison of postmortem CT (PM-CT) findings with conventional autopsy findings.
• Evaluation of PM-CT's effectiveness in identification and pathomorphology.

Main Results:

• PM-CT was effective for skeletal/dental identification, superimposition, and detecting foreign materials, though conventional X-ray was superior for small metallic objects.
• PM-CT partially revealed findings related to the immediate cause of death, but underlying causes were difficult to ascertain.
• Accumulated PM-CT data proved useful for retrospective evaluation and review of autopsy findings.

Conclusions:

• Postmortem imaging (PMI) serves as a valuable radiographic screening and documentation tool.
• PM-CT should be considered a supplementary procedure within forensic autopsies, enhancing existing practices.
• The interpretation of PM-CT findings necessitates integration with forensic autopsy expertise.