[Minimally invasive autopsy: the added value of postmortem radiology]

Today, the postmortem is primarily used to evaluate the quality of the care delivered. It is therefore a cause for concern that over past decades the number of postmortems that have been carried out has been declining. One of the reasons for this is the increased attention being paid to the physical integrity of the deceased by physicians and next of kin. However, a large number of studies show that 10-25% of post-mortems reveal a discrepancy between the clinical findings and the results of the postmortem. Postmortem radiological investigations make a minimally-invasive postmortem possible. In a number of cases, the diagnostic value of postmortem radiological investigation approaches that of the postmortem. Various studies show that postmortem radiological investigation has additional value, however, it also entails higher costs and logistical problems. The question is to what extent the Dutch healthcare system is prepared to go to implement this new development?