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Updated: May 11, 2026

Image Rendering Techniques in Postmortem Computed Tomography: Evaluation of Biological Health and Profile in Stranded Cetaceans
Published on: September 27, 2020
Virtual autopsy in hanging
Matteo Polacco1, Pasquale D'Alessio, Francesco Ausania
1Institute of Legal Medicine, Medical School, Catholic University, USA.
Abstract:
The aim of the study was to compare postmortem computed tomographic (CT) imaging findings from a case of hanging with the autopsy findings. The CT showed a good match with autopsy findings especially for bone, soft tissue, and spinal injuries. The CT images of the injuries of the neck obtained by CT scan clearly showed the ligature mark, the hemorrhagic suffusion in the soft tissue (thickening of derma) and in the muscles (sternocleidomastoid) of the neck. Furthermore, CT 3-dimensional reconstruction showed brain edema, fracture of the left posterior horn of the hyoid bone, and a grade 1 retrolisthesis of C5 on C6. This last finding was not detected by autopsy because of the anterior approach that is frequently used in necropsy technique. Nevertheless, the CT virtual autopsy did not show vascular findings (like Amussat mark) because a barium mixture was not injected in the body.

