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Related Concept Videos

Pulmonary Embolism II: Diagnostic Studies and Interprofessional Care01:29

Pulmonary Embolism II: Diagnostic Studies and Interprofessional Care

Diagnosing Pulmonary EmbolismDiagnosing pulmonary embolism (PE) involves clinical assessment and advanced imaging tests. The preferred diagnostic tool is the spiral (helical) CT scan or CT angiography (CTA), which uses intravenous contrast media to visualize the pulmonary vasculature and identify emboli.A ventilation-perfusion (V/Q) scan is an alternative for patients unable to receive contrast media. This scan includes both perfusion and ventilation scanning. Perfusion scanning involves...
Computed Tomography01:10

Computed Tomography

Tomography refers to imaging by sections. Computed tomography (CT) is a non-invasive imaging technique that uses computers to analyze several cross-sectional X-rays to reveal minute details about structures in the body.
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Radiological Investigation II: MRI and Ventilation Perfusion Scan01:30

Radiological Investigation II: MRI and Ventilation Perfusion Scan

Description
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) and Ventilation Perfusion Scans are two radiological investigations that offer detailed diagnostic images of the body, particularly lung structures.
MRI
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Pneumothorax-II01:27

Pneumothorax-II

Pneumothorax is a medical condition defined by the buildup of air in the pleural space between the lungs and the chest wall. This accumulation of air can lead to partial or complete lung collapse, resulting in a range of clinical manifestations. Understanding the clinical presentation and effective management strategies is crucial for healthcare professionals in providing timely and appropriate care to individuals with pneumothorax.
Clinical Manifestations:
Pneumothorax II: Pathophysiology01:08

Pneumothorax II: Pathophysiology

Pneumothorax means the presence of air in the pleural space — the thin potential gap between the visceral and parietal pleura. This condition disrupts the normal pressure balance that keeps the lungs inflated, leading to partial or complete collapse of the affected lung.Normal physiologyUnder normal conditions, the pleural space maintains a slightly negative intrapleural pressure, which keeps the lungs expanded against the chest wall. This negative pressure creates a delicate balance between...
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Atelectasis II: Pathophysiology

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 10, 2026

Image Rendering Techniques in Postmortem Computed Tomography: Evaluation of Biological Health and Profile in Stranded Cetaceans
12:32

Image Rendering Techniques in Postmortem Computed Tomography: Evaluation of Biological Health and Profile in Stranded Cetaceans

Published on: September 27, 2020

Massive gas embolism revealed by two consecutive postmortem computed-tomography examinations.

Yohsuke Makino1, Ryota Shimofusa, Mutsumi Hayakawa

  • 1Department of Legal Medicine, Graduate School of Medicine, Chiba University, Inohana 1-8-1,Chiba City, Chiba Prefecture 260-8670, Japan. ymakino-tky@umin.ac.jp

Forensic Science International
|June 29, 2013
PubMed
Summary

This case highlights unusual gas embolism, demonstrating how postmortem CT scans can identify gas distribution and help differentiate it from decomposition gases.

Keywords:
Air embolismForensic pathologyForensic radiologyGas embolismPostmortem computed tomography

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Last Updated: May 10, 2026

Image Rendering Techniques in Postmortem Computed Tomography: Evaluation of Biological Health and Profile in Stranded Cetaceans
12:32

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Published on: September 27, 2020

Multi-modal Pulmonary Imaging: Using Complementary Information from CT and Hyperpolarized 129Xe MRI to Evaluate Lung Structure-Function
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Multi-modal Pulmonary Imaging: Using Complementary Information from CT and Hyperpolarized 129Xe MRI to Evaluate Lung Structure-Function

Published on: April 12, 2024

Area of Science:

  • Forensic Radiology
  • Pathology
  • Medical Imaging

Background:

  • Gas embolism is a rare but potentially fatal condition.
  • Postmortem computed tomography (PMCT) is a valuable tool in forensic investigations.

Observation:

  • A 73-year-old male presented with cardiopulmonary arrest and an oxygen tube in an IV line.
  • Initial PMCT revealed widespread gas distribution (systemic gas embolism).
  • A follow-up PMCT showed a significant reduction in gas volume.

Findings:

  • PMCT effectively visualized intravascular gas, pneumothorax, pneumoperitoneum, pneumomediastinum, pneumoretroperitoneum, and gastric emphysema.
  • The decrease in gas volume over time suggested embolized gas rather than postmortem decomposition.
  • Two PMCT scans aided in distinguishing between gas embolism and putrefaction.

Implications:

  • PMCT is crucial for visualizing and quantifying gas in suspected embolism cases.
  • Serial PMCT examinations can help differentiate ante-mortem gas embolism from postmortem gas production.
  • This case underscores the importance of meticulous examination in determining the cause of death.