Utility of Postmortem Autopsy via Whole-Body Imaging: Initial Observations Comparing MDCT and 3.0T MRI Findings with Autopsy Findings.
10.3348/kjr.2010.11.4.395
- Author:
Jang Gyu CHA
1
;
Dong Hun KIM
;
Dae Ho KIM
;
Sang Hyun PAIK
;
Jai Soung PARK
;
Seong Jin PARK
;
Hae Kyung LEE
;
Hyun Sook HONG
;
Duek Lin CHOI
;
Kyung Moo YANG
;
Nak Eun CHUNG
;
Bong Woo LEE
;
Joong Seok SEO
Author Information
1. Department of Radiology, Soonchunhyang University Bucheon Hospital, Gyunggi-do 420-020, Korea.
- Publication Type:Original Article ; Comparative Study ; Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
- Keywords:
Computed tomography (CT);
Magnetic resonance (MR);
Whole-body imaging;
Forensic autopsy
- MeSH:
Adult;
Aged;
Autopsy/*methods;
Cadaver;
Female;
Humans;
Image Processing, Computer-Assisted;
Magnetic Resonance Imaging/*methods;
Male;
Middle Aged;
Prospective Studies;
Tomography, X-Ray Computed/*methods;
*Whole Body Imaging
- From:Korean Journal of Radiology
2010;11(4):395-406
- CountryRepublic of Korea
- Language:English
-
Abstract:
OBJECTIVE: We prospectively compared whole-body multidetector computed tomography (MDCT) and 3.0T magnetic resonance (MR) images with autopsy findings. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Five cadavers were subjected to whole-body, 16-channel MDCT and 3.0T MR imaging within two hours before an autopsy. A radiologist classified the MDCT and 3.0T MRI findings into major and minor findings, which were compared with autopsy findings. RESULTS: Most of the imaging findings, pertaining to head and neck, heart and vascular, chest, abdomen, spine, and musculoskeletal lesions, corresponded to autopsy findings. The causes of death that were determined on the bases of MDCT and 3.0T MRI findings were consistent with the autopsy findings in four of five cases. CT was useful in diagnosing fatal hemorrhage and pneumothorax, as well as determining the shapes and characteristics of the fractures and the direction of external force. MRI was effective in evaluating and tracing the route of a metallic object, soft tissue lesions, chronicity of hemorrhage, and bone bruises. CONCLUSION: A postmortem MDCT combined with MRI is a potentially powerful tool, providing noninvasive and objective measurements for forensic investigations.
