Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 30, 2026
Anatomical Reconstructions of the Human Cardiac Venous System using Contrast-computed Tomography of Perfusion-fixed Specimens
Published on: April 18, 2013
Targeted cardiac post-mortem computed tomography angiography: a pictorial review
Guy Rutty1, Sarah Saunders, Bruno Morgan
1East Midlands Forensic Pathology Unit, Robert Kilpatrick Building, Level 3 Leicester Royal Infirmary, Leicester LE2 7LX, UK. gnr3@le.ac.uk
Insights
Targeted post-mortem computed tomography (PMCT) angiography allows non-invasive assessment of coronary arteries and the left ventricle. This pictorial review aids radiologists and pathologists in interpreting these crucial cardiac structures after death.
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.
Abstract:
With the introduction of targeted coronary artery angiography to post-mortem computed tomography (PMCT) it is now possible to assess the coronary arteries and left ventricle after death without, case dependent, the necessity to undertake an invasive autopsy. The purpose of this pictorial review is to act as a walk through aid memoire and educational learning document for radiologists and pathologists alike who may be new to the use and interpretation of targeted PMCT angiography. By using an example scanning protocol, which uses both positive and negative (air) contrast mediums, this pictorial review provides a systematic approach to vessel and ventricular assessment that is based upon clinical cardiac angiography but adapted to PMCT.
More Related Videos
10:16Retrograde Perfusion and Filling of Mouse Coronary Vasculature as Preparation for Micro Computed Tomography Imaging
Published on: February 10, 2012
09:32Time-Resolved, Dynamic Computed Tomography Angiography for Characterization of Aortic Endoleaks and Treatment Guidance via 2D-3D Fusion-Imaging
Published on: December 9, 2021
Related Concept Videos
01:28Imaging Studies for Cardiovascular System V: CT
01:13Radiological Investigation III: Pulmonary Angiogram and PET Scan
Pulmonary Angiogram
A Pulmonary Angiogram is an invasive procedure involving injecting a contrast medium through a catheter threaded into the pulmonary artery or the right side of the heart to visualize the pulmonary vasculature. Computed Tomography (CT) scans have mainly replaced this...