Gaia Cartocci1, Alessandro Santurro1, Margherita Neri2, Fulvio Zaccagna3, Carlo Catalano4, Raffaele La Russa1,5, Emanuela Turillazzi6, Valeria Panebianco4, Paola Frati1,5, Vittorio Fineschi7,8. 1. Department of Anatomical, Histological, Forensic and Orthopaedic Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, Viale Regina Elena 336, 00161, Rome, RM, Italy. 2. Department of Morphology, Experimental Medicine and Surgery, University of Ferrara, Via Fossato di Mortara 70, 44121, Ferrara, FE, Italy. 3. Department of Radiology, School of Clinical Medicine, University of Cambridge, Hills Rd, Cambridge, CB2 0SP, UK. 4. Department of Radiological Sciences, Oncology and Anatomical Pathology, Sapienza University of Rome, Viale del Policlinico 155, 00161, Rome, RM, Italy. 5. IRCSS Neuromed Mediterranean Neurological Institute, Via Atinense 18, 86077, Pozzilli, IS, Italy. 6. Department of Surgical Pathology, Medical, Molecular and Critical Area, Institute of Legal Medicine, University of Pisa, Via Roma 55, 56126, Pisa, PI, Italy. 7. Department of Anatomical, Histological, Forensic and Orthopaedic Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, Viale Regina Elena 336, 00161, Rome, RM, Italy. vittorio.fineschi@uniroma1.it. 8. IRCSS Neuromed Mediterranean Neurological Institute, Via Atinense 18, 86077, Pozzilli, IS, Italy. vittorio.fineschi@uniroma1.it.
Abstract
PURPOSE: The aim of the study is to report radiological findings and features in advanced decomposed bodies obtained by post-mortem computed tomography (PMCT) with autopsy correlation. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This retrospective descriptive multicentric study included 41 forensic cases examined between May 2013 and November 2016. All the bodies were PMCT-scanned prior to autopsy, and internal putrefactive state was determined using the radiological alteration index (RAI) by a radiologist with expertise in forensic radiology and a forensic pathologist trained in forensic imaging. After PMCT scans, grade of external putrefaction (GEP) was assigned during the external examination and the complete autopsy was performed by forensic pathologists. RESULTS: The PMCT images evaluation revealed that the RAI index was > 61 in all bodies, corresponding to a moderate-massive presence of putrefactive gas. The gas grade was > II in correspondence of the major vessels, heart cavities, liver parenchyma, vertebra L3 and subcutaneous pectoral tissues, and varied from I to III in correspondence of the kidney. Cadaveric external examination revealed the presence of advanced transformative phenomena, with a GEP3 and GEP4 in most of the cases, with body swelling, eyes and tongue protrusion, body fluids expulsion and fat liquefaction. CONCLUSION: Radiological imaging by PMCT as an adjunct to autopsy in advanced decomposed bodies represents a useful tool in detecting post-mortem gas, even in very small amounts. A correct interpretation process of the PMCT data is essential to avoid images pitfalls, due to natural decomposition that can be mistaken for pathologic processes.
PURPOSE: The aim of the study is to report radiological findings and features in advanced decomposed bodies obtained by post-mortem computed tomography (PMCT) with autopsy correlation. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This retrospective descriptive multicentric study included 41 forensic cases examined between May 2013 and November 2016. All the bodies were PMCT-scanned prior to autopsy, and internal putrefactive state was determined using the radiological alteration index (RAI) by a radiologist with expertise in forensic radiology and a forensic pathologist trained in forensic imaging. After PMCT scans, grade of external putrefaction (GEP) was assigned during the external examination and the complete autopsy was performed by forensic pathologists. RESULTS: The PMCT images evaluation revealed that the RAI index was > 61 in all bodies, corresponding to a moderate-massive presence of putrefactive gas. The gas grade was > II in correspondence of the major vessels, heart cavities, liver parenchyma, vertebra L3 and subcutaneous pectoral tissues, and varied from I to III in correspondence of the kidney. Cadaveric external examination revealed the presence of advanced transformative phenomena, with a GEP3 and GEP4 in most of the cases, with body swelling, eyes and tongue protrusion, body fluids expulsion and fat liquefaction. CONCLUSION: Radiological imaging by PMCT as an adjunct to autopsy in advanced decomposed bodies represents a useful tool in detecting post-mortem gas, even in very small amounts. A correct interpretation process of the PMCT data is essential to avoid images pitfalls, due to natural decomposition that can be mistaken for pathologic processes.
Authors: P Charlier; R Carlier; F Roffi; J Ezra; P F Chaillot; F Duchat; I Huynh-Charlier; G Lorin de la Grandmaison Journal: Eur J Radiol Date: 2011-02-05 Impact factor: 3.528
Authors: Ivo M Wagensveld; Britt M Blokker; Piotr A Wielopolski; Nomdo S Renken; Gabriel P Krestin; Myriam G Hunink; J Wolter Oosterhuis; Annick C Weustink Journal: PLoS One Date: 2017-09-27 Impact factor: 3.240
Authors: Claudia Giaconi; Alice Chiara Manetti; Emanuele Neri; Marco Di Paolo; Sara Turco; Marzia Coppola; David Forni; Damiano Marra; Raffaele La Russa; Michele Karaboue; Aniello Maiese; Luigi Papi; Emanuela Turillazzi Journal: Radiol Med Date: 2022-01-20 Impact factor: 3.469