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Post-mortem computed tomography in forensic shooting distance estimation: a porcine cadaver study
Juho-Antti Junno1,2,3, Antti Kotiaho4, Petteri Oura5,6,7
1Cancer and Translational Medicine Research Unit, Faculty of Medicine, University of Oulu, Oulu, Finland.
BMC Research Notes
|March 17, 2022
Summary
Post-mortem computed tomography (PMCT) can help estimate gunshot distances. Contact shots show a distinct hyperdense ring on PMCT, unlike close or distant shots.
Area of Science:
- Forensic pathology
- Radiology
- Ballistics
Background:
- Computed tomography (CT) is used to study gunshot wound damage.
- Estimating shooting distance is crucial in forensic investigations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate post-mortem CT (PMCT) for estimating gunshot distances from 0-100 cm.
- To determine if PMCT can detect muzzle pressure effects on tissue.
Main Methods:
- 59 gunshot wounds were created on piglet carcasses using a .22 Long Rifle handgun.
- PMCT scans were acquired and analyzed for wound characteristics.
- Contact, close-range, and distant shots were differentiated based on PMCT findings.
Main Results:
- Contact shots were distinguishable by a hyperdense ring around the wound channel.
- Close-range and distant shots lacked this feature and were hard to differentiate.
- Wound channel diameter varied, being smallest in contact shots (3.4 mm) and largest in distant shots (5.4 mm).
Conclusions:
- PMCT shows potential for aiding gunshot distance estimation.
- Further research is needed for low-velocity gunshot wounds in carcasses.
