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Published on: December 18, 2016
Unexpected brain finding in pre-autopsy postmortem CT
Vasiliki Chatzaraki1, Stephan A Bolliger2, Michael J Thali2
1Department of Forensic Medicine and Imaging, Institute of Forensic Medicine, University of Zurich, Winterthurerstrasse 190/52, CH-8057, Zurich, Switzerland. vasiliki.chatzaraki@irm.uzh.ch.
Abstract:
A case is presented in which pre-autopsy postmortem computed tomography (PMCT) revealed an unexpected brain abscess with a related frontal sinusitis and an erosion of the posterior wall of the frontal sinus. PMCT findings enabled the forensic pathologists to adapt protective measures during autopsy and protect their health from infection. Pre-autopsy PMCT has been also useful in the early differential diagnosis procedure. The complementary use of postmortem imaging and autopsy can improve the quality of forensic death investigations.
Insights
Pre-autopsy postmortem computed tomography (PMCT) identified an unexpected brain abscess and frontal sinus erosion. This imaging aided forensic pathologists in taking protective measures and improving death investigations.
Area of Science:
- Forensic Pathology
- Medical Imaging
- Neuropathology
Background:
- Forensic autopsies investigate cause of death.
- Postmortem imaging is increasingly used to supplement traditional autopsy.
- Computed tomography (CT) provides detailed anatomical information.
Observation:
- A case involving unexpected findings during pre-autopsy imaging.
- Postmortem CT revealed a brain abscess.
- Associated frontal sinusitis with posterior wall erosion was identified.
Findings:
- Pre-autopsy postmortem computed tomography (PMCT) identified an unexpected brain abscess.
- The abscess was linked to frontal sinusitis with erosion of the posterior sinus wall.
- PMCT findings allowed for protective measures during autopsy to prevent infection.
Implications:
- Pre-autopsy PMCT aids in early differential diagnosis.
- Integrating postmortem imaging with autopsy enhances forensic death investigations.
- This approach improves pathologist safety and diagnostic accuracy.
