Targeted cardiac post-mortem computed tomography angiography: a pictorial review

Area of Science:

• Forensic Radiology
• Cardiovascular Imaging
• Post-mortem Diagnostics

Background:

• Traditional autopsies can be invasive and time-consuming.
• Advancements in imaging technology offer less invasive alternatives.
• Post-mortem computed tomography (PMCT) is increasingly utilized in forensic investigations.

Purpose of the Study:

• To provide an educational guide for interpreting PMCT angiography of the heart.
• To serve as a pictorial review for radiologists and pathologists.
• To detail a systematic approach for assessing coronary arteries and the left ventricle post-mortem.

Main Methods:

• Utilizing targeted coronary artery angiography with PMCT.
• Employing both positive and negative (air) contrast media in a scanning protocol.
• Adapting principles of clinical cardiac angiography for post-mortem imaging.

Main Results:

• Demonstration of a systematic approach to cardiac PMCT angiography.
• Visual examples of coronary artery and left ventricle assessment.
• Guidance on interpreting findings in post-mortem cardiac imaging.

Conclusions:

• Targeted PMCT angiography offers a valuable non-invasive method for cardiac assessment post-mortem.
• This pictorial review serves as a practical learning tool for professionals.
• The described protocol facilitates systematic interpretation of cardiac structures using PMCT.