How does post-mortem imaging compare to autopsy, is this a relevant question?

Abstract

HighlightsEvidence of "efficacy" for a test does not imply it is effective in the real world Direct comparisons between autopsy and imaging may give misleading results Imaging is used in a wide variety of contexts, all with different questions The level of accuracy required of an imaging test depends on the context Research findings in one context may not be applicable in all contexts AbstractThe rapid development of imaging techniques used for the investigation of death invites the question "how does imaging compare with autopsy". This article is based on an invited talk given to the International Society of Forensic Radiology and Imaging in 2015 and attempts to show that this question cannot be answered, as it is in fact several questions depending on the circumstances of death. Review of the literature is fraught with difficulties due to the rapid evolution of technology, the varied circumstances of death investigation and the multiple possible post--mortem investigations that imaging can be compared with. The article focuses on the assessment of adult sudden natural death and suggests the questions that need to be answered.

Association of corneal nerve fiber measures with cognitive function in dementia

“…1 It is a cause of significant cognitive and functional disability, and is the most common cause of death in women over 80 years of age in the United Kingdom. 2 Neurodegeneration underlies accelerated cognitive decline and can be identified by brain atrophy, [3][4][5] hypometabolism, 6,7 and hypoperfusion. 8 Neurodegeneration can be detected approximately 15 years before overt cognitive decline associated with Alzheimer's disease (AD).…”

Advantages of micro‐CT in the case of a complex dismemberment

“…However, with the advancement of non‐invasive imaging modalities, such as radiological techniques like computed tomography (CT) [ 4 , 5 , 6 ], evidence can also be digitally captured prior to any further applications. While radiography and “medical” grade CT scans can be applied with great success [ 7 , 8 , 9 ], these methodologies can obscure important detail below their typical scanning resolution of approximately 600 μm [ 10 , 11 ]. The advancement of micro‐CT for forensic applications, with a spatial resolution of 500 nm −120 μm [ 12 ], allows for more minutiae to be digitally captured in 3D [ 6 ] which is important for toolmark and fracture examination and can be applied complementarily to traditional toolmark analyses.…”

Massive Air Embolism Following Necrotizing Pancreatitis and COVID-19 Infection—The Role of Postmortem Computed Tomography

“…Postmortem computed tomography (PMCT), otherwise known as virtual autopsy or “virtopsy,” has become increasingly useful in medicolegal investigation and the evaluation of natural sudden death (1). It has the potential to reduce numbers of high-risk medicolegal autopsies, particularly in patients with HIV and hepatitis C, thus reducing the exposure of infectious agents to pathology staff (2).…”