Mapping two decades of forensic virtopsy: a comprehensive bibliometric analysis (2006-2025)

This study presents a comprehensive bibliometric analysis of the forensic post-mortem forensic imaging research domain, examining its evolution from 2006 to 2025. A total of 1,635 relevant publications were retrieved from the Web of Science Core Collection. Using analytical tools including VOSviewer, CiteSpace, and Bibliometrix, we systematically investigated the field's growth trajectory, intellectual structure, collaborative networks, and research fronts. The analysis revealed significant expansion in annual scientific production, with an 11.47% compound annual growth rate. Key journals such as Forensic Sci Int and Int J Legal Med were identified as central publication hubs. Michael J. Thali emerged as the most influential author, while Switzerland and Japan were the leading contributing countries. Analysis of highly cited documents, centrality, and citation bursts identified foundational works that established the paradigm and key methodological advancements. Thematic evolution mapping illustrated the field's progression from foundational comparisons to specialized applications and, more recently, toward mechanistic synthesis focused on the process of death. The current thematic landscape is characterized by motor themes such as "death," basic themes like "autopsy" and "age," and niche themes including "fractures." This study delineates the past achievements and current dynamics of post-mortem forensic imaging research, forecasting future directions toward quantitative biomarker integration, advanced vascular imaging, and specialized protocols for sensitive cases. The findings provide an evidence-based roadmap for researchers and practitioners navigating this rapidly evolving field.