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Image Rendering Techniques in Postmortem Computed Tomography: Evaluation of Biological Health and Profile in Stranded Cetaceans
Published on: September 27, 2020
Lateralized hypostasis of the head on post mortem CT (PMCT) scanning of decomposed bodies-a marker for terminal
1Forensic Science SA, 21 Divett Pl, Adelaide, SA, 5000, Australia. roger.byard@sa.gov.au.
Abstract:
Post-mortem CT (PMCT) scanning was performed on the bodies of two decomposed adult males who had died of natural causes. The bodies both showed changes of marked decomposition with a prominent swelling of tissues on one side of the head compared to the other. A review of police statements confirmed that this matched the positions of the bodies when they were found. Thus, post-mortem hypostasis of putrefactive fluids correlated in both cases with the positions that the bodies had been in when first located. This may be a simple way of identifying or confirming the positions of decomposed bodies after death. It may also assist in indicating whether a body has been moved after putrefactive fluid hypostasis has developed.
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