Global illumination rendering versus volume rendering for the forensic evaluation of stab wounds using computed...

Area of Science:

• Forensic Radiology
• Medical Imaging
• Computational Imaging

Background:

• Three-dimensional (3D) computed tomography (CT) imaging is increasingly used in forensic pathology.
• Volume-rendering (VR) is a common technique for reconstructing 3D CT images.
• Global illumination-rendering (GIR) is a novel technique simulating photon interactions for photorealistic 3D CT reconstruction.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare the diagnostic value of 3D CT images reconstructed using global illumination-rendering (GIR) versus volume-rendering (VR) in stabbing victims.
• To evaluate the image quality and stab wound assessment capabilities of GIR and VR techniques.
• To compare the diagnostic accuracy of 3D CT GIR images with macroscopic photographs.

Main Methods:

• Postmortem 3D CT images from 14 stabbing victims were analyzed.
• Images were reconstructed using both VR and GIR techniques.
• Image quality (3D effect, skin smoothness) was graded, and stab wound dimensions were measured and compared to autopsy findings.

Main Results:

• GIR images received significantly higher overall image quality scores than VR images (median 4 vs 3, p < 0.01).
• The mean difference in stab wound diameter measurement between imaging techniques and autopsy was 0.2 cm for both VR and GIR.
• GIR demonstrated superior ability in assessing stab wounds compared to VR.

Conclusions:

• Global illumination-rendering (GIR) provides superior 3D CT image quality for forensic stab wound analysis compared to volume-rendering (VR).
• The diagnostic value of 3D CT images reconstructed with GIR is comparable to that of macroscopic photographs.
• GIR represents a valuable advancement for 3D CT imaging in forensic investigations.