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

Postmortem imaging (PMI) including computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has become a familiar procedure in forensic casework. We investigated a short term impact of postmortem CT(PM-CT) in routine forensic autopsy cases at our institute during a period of 9 months (n = 121, fetus--92 year-old, 7 h--years postmortem), comparing to autopsy findings. In identification, PM-CT was useful for matching skeletal/dental characteristics, superimposing, and detection of foreign materials. However, conventional X-ray was often more effective for detection of small metallic foreign bodies. In pathomorphology, PM-CT partly demonstrated important findings for determining the immediate cause of death, which were confirmed by autopsy, but interpretation to the underlying/initiating/preceding causes of death or contributory factor(s) was mostly difficult or impossible. However, accumulated PM-CT data were useful for retrospective evaluation and review of autopsy findings. These experiences indicate that PMI is useful for radiographic screening and documentation, to be included in supplementary procedures, employing knowledge and experiences of forensic autopsy.