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Updated: May 8, 2026

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

Published on: September 27, 2020

Is post-mortem ultrasonography a useful tool for forensic purposes?

Philippe Charlier¹, Pierre-Fleury Chaillot, Laurence Watier

¹Department of Forensic Medicine and Pathology, University Hospital R. Poincaré (AP-HP, UVSQ), France.

Medicine, Science, and the Law

|August 16, 2013

Summary

Post-mortem ultrasonography has limited use in forensic pathology due to body decomposition and rigor mortis. This imaging technique struggles to accurately diagnose causes of death or pathological findings.

Keywords:

Post-mortem modification autopsy alternative cadaver putrefactive gas retrospective diagnosis

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Area of Science:

Forensic Pathology
Medical Imaging
Autopsy Science

Background:

Ultrasonography is a common diagnostic tool in clinical settings.
Its application in post-mortem examinations for forensic purposes is less established.
Understanding limitations is crucial for evaluating its utility.

Purpose of the Study:

To assess the diagnostic value of post-mortem ultrasonography.
To determine its effectiveness in identifying pathological conditions.
To evaluate its role in establishing manner and cause of death.

Main Methods:

Conducted post-mortem ultrasonography on 38 human cadavers.
Compared ultrasonography data with subsequent forensic autopsy findings.
Exams performed at the Department of Forensic Medicine and Pathology.

Main Results:

Significant limitations observed: hyper-echoic walls, digestive gas distension, and restricted access to structures due to rigor mortis.
Diagnoses of conditions like ascites, gallstones, and chronic kidney disease were limited.
High rates of false negatives for fatty liver, pleural effusion, aortic dissection, and soft tissue lesions.

Conclusions:

Post-mortem ultrasonography demonstrates a very limited role in forensic investigations.
Challenges related to decomposition and body stiffness hinder accurate diagnosis.
Further research may explore alternative post-mortem imaging applications.