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In Vivo Quantitative Assessment of Myocardial Structure, Function, Perfusion and Viability Using Cardiac Micro-computed Tomography
Published on: February 16, 2016
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Left myocardial wall measurements on postmortem imaging compared to autopsy
Vasiliki Chatzaraki1, Michael J Thali1, Wolf Schweitzer1
1Department of Forensic Medicine and Imaging, Institute of Forensic Medicine, University of Zurich, Winterthurerstrasse 190/52, CH-8057, Zurich, Switzerland.
Summary
Postmortem imaging (PMCT and PMMR) shows excellent reliability for left ventricular wall thickness (LVWT) measurements, though discrepancies exist compared to autopsy findings.
Area of Science:
- Forensic pathology
- Radiology
- Cardiovascular science
Background:
- Accurate postmortem assessment of left ventricular wall thickness (LVWT) is crucial for forensic and clinical evaluations.
- Traditional autopsy methods can be subject to limitations and postmortem changes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare left ventricular wall thickness (LVWT) measurements obtained via postmortem computed tomography (PMCT) and postmortem magnetic resonance imaging (PMMR).
- To evaluate the utility of postmortem imaging techniques for LVWT assessment in comparison to standard autopsy procedures.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of 113 cases with cardiac PMCT, PMMR, and autopsy within 4 days postmortem.
- Exclusion of cases with myocardial gas accumulation or cardiac trauma.
- Intrarater reliability assessment of LVWT measurements on PMCT and PMMR.
Main Results:
- Excellent intrarater reliability was observed for imaging-based LVWT measurements.
- LVWT (free wall) was significantly larger on PMCT (18.3mm) than PMMR (17.6mm), with positive correlation.
- LVWT (anterior wall) was significantly larger on PMMR (15mm) than autopsy (14mm), with positive correlation.
- Pericardial effusions showed a trend towards larger differences between PMMR and autopsy measurements.
Conclusions:
- Discrepancies exist between LVWT measurements obtained from postmortem imaging and autopsy.
- Forensic specialists and radiologists should be aware of these imaging-based measurement differences to avoid misinterpretation.
Keywords:
AutopsyLeft ventricular wall thicknessPericardial effusionPostmortem cardiac computed tomographyPostmortem cardiac magnetic resonance imaging
