Possibilities of Postmortem Magnetic Resonance Imaging for Evaluation of Anasarca in Newborns

We studied the possibilities of postmortem magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) for evaluation of anasarca in newborns. Before the autopsy, MRI in T1 and T2 standard modes was performed, signal intensity tomograms in the subcutaneous tissue were analyzed, and tissue hydration index was calculated. Using 3D reconstruction, we determined the values of hydrothorax, hydropericardium, and ascites, as well as specific volumes of fluid in the abdominal and thoracic cavities. It has been established that postmortem MRI of deceased newborns provides objective quantitative assessment of anasarca, as well as absolute and relative volumes of hydrothorax and ascites, which improves the diagnostic capacities of pathoanatomical autopsy or forensic examination of a corpse and contributes to the determination of tanatogenesis. However, postmortem MRI cannot fully replace traditional autopsy that allows conducting complex macroscopic and microscopic analysis of organs and tissues.