Can computed tomography replace or supplement autopsy?
Postmortem computed tomography (PMCT) has been integrated into the practice of many forensic pathologists. To evaluate the utility of PMCT in supplementing and/or supplanting medicolegal autopsy, we conducted a prospective double-blind comparison of abnormal findings reported by the autopsy pathologist with those reported by a radiologist reviewing the PMCT.
Accuracy of non-contrast PMCT for determining cause of death
The aim of this study was (1) to compare levels of accuracy regarding the categorization of causes of death between non-contrast post-mortem computed tomography (PMCT) and the final forensic report as well as between autopsy and the final forensic report, and (2) to assess levels of confidence regarding the categorization of causes of death after non-contrast PMCT and after autopsy.
A Practical Guide to Virtual Autopsy: Why, When and How
Postmortem imaging is considered a routine investigative modality in many forensic institutions worldwide. Because of its ability to provide a quick and complete documentation of skeletal system and major parenchymal alterations, postmortem computed tomography (PMCT) is the imaging technique most frequently applied in postmortem forensic investigations.
Mobile Forensic Gets Update Taipei Times
The Ministry of Justice on Wednesday launched three mobile units outfitted with forensic imaging systems to better support prosecutors and police investigations. The first Forensic Mobile Radiography Truck was commissioned two years ago, but has now added new computed tomography (CT) scanners, X-ray machines and digital imaging devices to examine the human body, the ministry said.
Postmortem Imaging: The Next Radiology Subspecialty?
This article is part two of a two-part series about postmortem and forensic imaging. Read part one here. While medical care is often seen as more advanced in the United States, postmortem imaging is still in its infancy. Countries like Switzerland, Sweden, and Japan routinely use CT in the mortuary or in nearby medical clinics, and have access to this imaging more readily than in the U.S. Some countries use CT on every person who dies there. Several countries also use MRI for the deceased, said Angela Levy, MD, professor of radiology at Georgetown University in Washington, DC.
Can CT Scans Enhance or Replace Medicolegal Autopsies?
The overall conclusion of the study is that PMCT, when coupled with a thorough external examination, could supplant autopsy, particularly in cases where the family of a decedent has religious or cultural objections to an autopsy. Researchers found strong agreement between autopsy and PMCT in determining cause of death.
A Landscape Study of Computed Tomography Scanners for Postmortem Applications
Advanced imaging technologies help medicolegal death investigation (MDI) personnel assess cause of death (COD) and manner
of death (MOD). The Medical Examiner and Coroner (MEC) community utilize postmortem computed tomography (PMCT) to obtain imaging data to assist in reaching informed conclusions in suspicious, unexpected, or unexplained deaths.
NIJ Advocates for CT Scans to Assist Forensic Pathologists
About 2.6 million people die in America each year. That results in an annual load of 500,000 post-mortem examinations. It’s well documented that there aren’t enough forensic pathologists—with some estimates showing the U.S. has only half of the staffing that’s really required for the caseload.
But implementing new imaging technologies, especially computed tomography (CT) scanning, in medical examiners’ offices could potentially be a game changer, according to a new publication by the National Institutes of Justice.