Charlotte de Lange1, Ashild Vege, Gunnar Stake. 1. Department of Paediatric Radiology, Rikshospitalet-Radiumhospitalet Medical Centre, Sognsvannsveien 20, 0027 Oslo, Norway. charlotte.eva.delange@rikshospitalet.no
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Postmortem radiography may reveal skeletal and soft-tissue abnormalities of importance for the diagnosis of cause of death. OBJECTIVE: To review the radiographs of children under 3 years of age who had died suddenly and unexpectedly. To compare the radiological and autopsy findings evaluating possible differences in children dying of SIDS and of an explainable cause. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 110 consecutive skeletal surveys performed between 1998 and 2002 were reviewed. All but one were performed before autopsy and comprised AP views of the appendicular and axial skeleton and thorax/abdomen, lateral views of the axial skeleton and thorax, and two oblique views of the ribs. Radiography and autopsy findings were compared. RESULTS: Causes of death were classified as SIDS/borderline SIDS (n = 52) and non-SIDS (n = 58), with one case of abuse. In 102 infants there were 150 pathological findings, 88 involving the chest, 24 skeletal, and 38 miscellaneous findings. The radiological-pathological agreement was poor concerning pulmonary findings. Skeletal findings were sometimes important for the final diagnosis. CONCLUSIONS: Radiography revealed many skeletal and soft-tissue findings. Pulmonary pathology was most frequently found, but showed poor agreement with autopsy findings. Recognizing skeletal findings related to abuse is important, as these may escape recognition at autopsy.
BACKGROUND: Postmortem radiography may reveal skeletal and soft-tissue abnormalities of importance for the diagnosis of cause of death. OBJECTIVE: To review the radiographs of children under 3 years of age who had died suddenly and unexpectedly. To compare the radiological and autopsy findings evaluating possible differences in children dying of SIDS and of an explainable cause. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 110 consecutive skeletal surveys performed between 1998 and 2002 were reviewed. All but one were performed before autopsy and comprised AP views of the appendicular and axial skeleton and thorax/abdomen, lateral views of the axial skeleton and thorax, and two oblique views of the ribs. Radiography and autopsy findings were compared. RESULTS: Causes of death were classified as SIDS/borderline SIDS (n = 52) and non-SIDS (n = 58), with one case of abuse. In 102 infants there were 150 pathological findings, 88 involving the chest, 24 skeletal, and 38 miscellaneous findings. The radiological-pathological agreement was poor concerning pulmonary findings. Skeletal findings were sometimes important for the final diagnosis. CONCLUSIONS: Radiography revealed many skeletal and soft-tissue findings. Pulmonary pathology was most frequently found, but showed poor agreement with autopsy findings. Recognizing skeletal findings related to abuse is important, as these may escape recognition at autopsy.
Authors: Henry F Krous; J Bruce Beckwith; Roger W Byard; Torleiv O Rognum; Thomas Bajanowski; Tracey Corey; Ernest Cutz; Randy Hanzlick; Thomas G Keens; Edwin A Mitchell Journal: Pediatrics Date: 2004-07 Impact factor: 7.124
Authors: Sharon W Gould; M Patricia Harty; Nicole E Givler; Theresa E Christensen; Riley N Curtin; Howard T Harcke Journal: Pediatr Radiol Date: 2019-06-14