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Post-Mortem Imaging Adjudicated Sudden Death: Causes and Controversies
Giuseppe Femia1, Christopher Semsarian2, Neil Langlois3
1Department of Cardiology, Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, Sydney, NSW, Australia; Faculty of Medicine, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia.
Heart, Lung & Circulation
|October 21, 2018
Summary
Post-mortem imaging, including CT and MRI, offers a non-invasive alternative to traditional autopsies for investigating sudden cardiac death (SCD). These advanced techniques show promise, especially in specific cases where traditional methods are unsuitable.
Area of Science:
- Forensic Pathology
- Cardiovascular Medicine
- Medical Imaging
Background:
- Sudden cardiac death (SCD) is a critical outcome of cardiac diseases, often occurring unexpectedly.
- Traditional post-mortem examination is the standard for determining the cause of death.
- Religious beliefs, cultural considerations, and body decomposition can necessitate non-invasive alternatives.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate post-mortem imaging techniques as non-invasive alternatives to traditional autopsies for SCD.
- To explore the utility of computed tomography (pmCT) and magnetic resonance imaging (pmMR) in specific SCD cases.
Main Methods:
- Review of preliminary studies on post-mortem computed tomography (pmCT) and post-mortem magnetic resonance imaging (pmMR).
- Comparison of imaging modalities for suitability in different decedent demographics (adults vs. younger individuals).
Main Results:
- Post-mortem imaging provides a non-invasive and accurate method for investigating SCD in select circumstances.
- pmMR is particularly useful for younger individuals, while pmCT is better suited for adults experiencing SCD.
- Preliminary studies show encouraging results for both pmCT and pmMR.
Conclusions:
- Post-mortem imaging represents a developing field with significant potential as an alternative to traditional autopsies for SCD.
- Further research is required to establish the optimal role of pmCT and pmMR within the diagnostic algorithm for SCD.
- Imaging offers a viable solution when religious, cultural, or decomposition issues preclude conventional post-mortem examination.
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