Quantitative analysis of vascular signs on early postmortem multi-detector computed tomography

Area of Science:

• Forensic radiology
• Postmortem imaging
• Vascular pathology

Background:

• Accurate interpretation of postmortem imaging is crucial for forensic investigations.
• Multi-detector computed tomography (MDCT) offers detailed vascular visualization.
• Distinguishing postmortem changes from ante-mortem pathology is essential.

Purpose of the Study:

• To identify and characterize early postmortem vascular signs detectable by MDCT.
• To differentiate these signs from those observed in living patients or survivors of resuscitation.

Main Methods:

• Quantitative evaluation of vascular signs in MDCT images.
• Study included 96 early postmortem cardiac arrest patients, 47 survivors, and 47 controls.
• Analysis focused on aortic and vena cava morphology and attenuation.

Main Results:

• Elliptical deformity and high-attenuated sedimentation were exclusively observed in postmortem patients.
• Elliptical deformity was most frequent in the abdominal aorta, followed by descending and ascending thoracic aorta.
• High-attenuated sedimentation predominantly occurred in the ascending thoracic aorta.

Conclusions:

• Elliptical deformity of the aorta and high-attenuated sedimentation are reliable MDCT indicators of early postmortem status.
• These findings aid in the forensic determination of time since death.
• MDCT provides valuable insights into postmortem vascular changes.