OBJECTIVE: We prospectively compared whole-body multidetector computed tomography (MDCT) and 3.0 T magnetic resonance (MR) images with autopsy findings. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Five cadavers were subjected to whole-body, 16-channel MDCT and 3.0 T MR imaging within two hours before an autopsy. A radiologist classified the MDCT and 3.0 T 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 3.0 T 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.
OBJECTIVE: We prospectively compared whole-body multidetector computed tomography (MDCT) and 3.0 T magnetic resonance (MR) images with autopsy findings. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Five cadavers were subjected to whole-body, 16-channel MDCT and 3.0 T MR imaging within two hours before an autopsy. A radiologist classified the MDCT and 3.0 T 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 3.0 T 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.
Authors: Michael J Thali; Kathrin Yen; Wolf Schweitzer; Peter Vock; Chris Boesch; Christoph Ozdoba; Gerhard Schroth; Michael Ith; Martin Sonnenschein; Tanja Doernhoefer; Eva Scheurer; Thomas Plattner; Richard Dirnhofer Journal: J Forensic Sci Date: 2003-03 Impact factor: 1.832
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Authors: Kathrin Yen; Peter Vock; Barbara Tiefenthaler; Gerhard Ranner; Eva Scheurer; Michael J Thali; Karin Zwygart; Martin Sonnenschein; Marco Wiltgen; Richard Dirnhofer Journal: J Forensic Sci Date: 2004-07 Impact factor: 1.832
Authors: L Patriquin; A Kassarjian; M Barish; L Casserley; M O'Brien; C Andry; S Eustace Journal: J Magn Reson Imaging Date: 2001-02 Impact factor: 4.813
Authors: Annick C Weustink; M G Myriam Hunink; Cornelis F van Dijke; Nomdo S Renken; Gabriel P Krestin; J Wolter Oosterhuis Journal: Radiology Date: 2009-03 Impact factor: 11.105