Diffusion-weighted perinatal postmortem magnetic resonance imaging as a marker of postmortem interval

Area of Science:

• Medical Imaging
• Forensic Science
• Radiology

Background:

• Postmortem changes in organ tissues can affect imaging findings.
• Apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) values provide quantitative information about tissue water diffusion.
• Understanding postmortem changes in ADC is crucial for accurate interpretation of postmortem MRI (PMMR).

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate perinatal body organ apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) values using postmortem magnetic resonance imaging (PMMR).
• To assess postmortem changes in organ ADC values.
• To determine the utility of PMMR ADC values as indicators of postmortem interval.

Main Methods:

• Postmortem diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) was performed on 15 fetal and childhood cases.
• ADC values were calculated for the lungs, liver, spleen, and renal cortex.
• Results were compared to normative ADC values from 44 live infants.

Main Results:

• Mean ADC values for liver and renal cortex were significantly lower in postmortem cases compared to controls.
• Mean lung ADC values were significantly higher in postmortem cases.
• A significant correlation was found between lung ADC values and the postmortem interval.

Conclusions:

• Lung PMMR ADC values show a correlation with the postmortem interval, suggesting their potential as a marker for time since death.
• Observed differences in liver and spleen ADC warrant further investigation into organ-specific postmortem changes.
• These findings may have implications for medicolegal cases requiring accurate postmortem assessment.