Imaging in forensic radiology: an illustrated guide for postmortem computed tomography technique and protocols

Forensic Sci Med Pathol. 2014 Dec;10(4):583-606. doi: 10.1007/s12024-014-9555-6. Epub 2014 Apr 11.

Abstract

Forensic radiology is a new subspecialty that has arisen worldwide in the field of forensic medicine. Postmortem computed tomography (PMCT) and, to a lesser extent, PMCT angiography (PMCTA), are established imaging methods that have replaced dated conventional X-ray images in morgues. However, these methods have not been standardized for postmortem imaging. Therefore, this article outlines the main approach for a recommended standard protocol for postmortem cross-sectional imaging that focuses on unenhanced PMCT and PMCTA. This review should facilitate the implementation of a high-quality protocol that enables standardized reporting in morgues, associated hospitals or private practices that perform forensic scans to provide the same quality that clinical scans provide in court.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Autopsy
  • Bone and Bones / diagnostic imaging*
  • Cause of Death
  • Forensic Dentistry / methods*
  • Forensic Dentistry / standards
  • Humans
  • Postmortem Changes
  • Practice Guidelines as Topic
  • Predictive Value of Tests
  • Quality Control
  • Reproducibility of Results
  • Tomography, X-Ray Computed / methods*
  • Tomography, X-Ray Computed / standards
  • Whole Body Imaging / methods*
  • Whole Body Imaging / standards