Advances in post-mortem CT-angiography

Abstract

Performing a post-mortem multidetector CT (MDCT) scan has already become routine in some institutes of forensic medicine. To better visualize the vascular system, different techniques of post-mortem CT-angiography have been explored, which can essentially be divided into partial-and whole-body angiography techniques. Probably the most frequently applied technique today is the so-called multiphase post-mortem CT-angiography (MPMCTA) a standardized method for investigating the vessels of the head, thorax and abdomen. Different studies exist, describing its use for medicolegal investigations, and its advantages as well as its artefacts and pitfalls. With the aim to investigate the performance of PMCTA and to develop and validate techniques, an international working group was created in 2012 called the "Technical Working Group Post-mortem Angiography Methods" (TWGPAM). Beyond its primary perspective, the goals of this group include creating recommendations for the indication of the investigation and for the interpretation of the images and to distribute knowledge about PMCTA. This article provides an overview about the different approaches that have been developed and tested in recent years and an update about ongoing research in this field. It will explain the technique of MPMCTA in detail and give an outline of its indications, application, advantages and limitations.

Postmortem CT Angiography Compared with Autopsy: A Forensic Multicenter Study

“…Consequently, various postmortem angiographic techniques have been developed (10)(11)(12)(13)(14)(15)(16)(17)(18)(19). Probably the most widespread single approach for postmortem angiography today is multiphase postmortem CT angiography (20)(21)(22)(23)(24)(25)(26)(27), first described in 2011 (14).…”

Postmortem-computed tomography and postmortem-computed tomography–angiography: a focused update

“…However, there are also some diagnostic limitations, for example, the visualization of the vascular system or a limited soft tissue contrast. In order to overcome these limitations, in recent years, contrast medium has been introduced in postmortem cases, with the development of several techniques of PMCT angiography (PMCTA) [5][6][7] and standardized protocols to make them easily reproducible.…”

Postmortem angiography in computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging in a case of fatal hemorrhage due to an arterio-venous malformation in the brain

“…Postmortem computed tomography angiography (PMCTA) was recently introduced to forensic investigations [8,9]. It provides a detailed presentation of the vessel system of the entire body for diagnoses of hemorrhages, vessel ruptures, stenosis, aneurysms and dissections [9][10][11][12].…”