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Updated: Nov 19, 2025

Image Rendering Techniques in Postmortem Computed Tomography: Evaluation of Biological Health and Profile in Stranded Cetaceans
Published on: September 27, 2020
[Organization of postmortem radiological examination in the structure of pathological departments and forensic
U N Tumanova1, A I Shchegolev1, A V Kovalev2
1National Medical Research Center for Obstetrics, Gynecology and Perinatology named after Academician V.I. Kulakov, Moscow, Russia.
Abstract:
The purpose of this work is to develop an optimal scheme for organizing and conducting postmortem radiation studies in the Russian Federation based on literature data and our own results. One of the primary points in organizing virtopsiy is to determine the place where radiation examinations of deceased patients will be performed. The absence or presence of the equipment and capabilities available in the institution, i.e., the department of radiation diagnostics with functioning CT and MRI devices and software, determines the volume of economic costs. The analysis of the results of radiation research methods should be carried out by a highly qualified radiologist who has both general knowledge of radiation diagnostics and information about the radiation pattern of nonspecific postmortem changes. Based on our own experience in organizing postmortem radiation examinations, we consider it optimal to conduct postmortem CT and/or MRI scans by an X-ray technician in the radiation diagnostics department and to introduce a separate radiologist in the staffing of the pathology department or forensic medical examination bureau. In our opinion, an examination of the corpse by a radiologist in conjunction with a forensic expert is required to determine the most important areas of interest, tactics and methodology of radiation research. The final conclusion of the radiologist should be formed after consultation and agreement of the identified changes with a pathologist or forensic expert. Virtopsy is a highly effective objective method for examining a corpse. This dictates the need for its widespread introduction into the practice of the forensic medical examination bureaus and pathological and anatomical departments.
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