Modern post-mortem imaging: an update on recent developments

Abstract

Modern post-mortem investigations use an increasing number of digital imaging methods, which can be collected under the term “post-mortem imaging”. Most methods of forensic imaging are from the radiology field and are therefore techniques that show the interior of the body with technologies such as X-ray or magnetic resonance imaging. To digitally image the surface of the body, other techniques are regularly applied, e.g. three-dimensional (3D) surface scanning (3DSS) or photogrammetry. Today's most frequently used techniques include post-mortem computed tomography (PMCT), post-mortem magnetic resonance imaging (PMMR), post-mortem computed tomographic angiography (PMCTA) and 3DSS or photogrammetry. Each of these methods has specific advantages and limitations. Therefore, the indications for using each method are different. While PMCT gives a rapid overview of the interior of the body and depicts the skeletal system and radiopaque foreign bodies, PMMR allows investigation of soft tissues and parenchymal organs. PMCTA is the method of choice for viewing the vascular system and detecting sources of bleeding. However, none of those radiological methods allow a detailed digital view of the body's surface, which makes 3DSS the best choice for such a purpose. If 3D surface scanners are not available, photogrammetry is an alternative. This review article gives an overview of different imaging techniques and explains their applications, advantages and limitations. We hope it will improve understanding of the methods.

Postmortem imaging as a complementary tool for the investigation of cardiac death

“…Neither a clinical radiologist nor an expert in postmortem examination may have those competences, which have to be developed in a common approach between those two different specialties. Some examinations such as PMA require specific material and techniques in order to obtain images comparable to clinical angiographic images (Table 1) [3][4][5]15,17,18,23,31,54,55,78,[82][83][84][85][86][87].…”

“…The three-dimensional (3D) demonstration of complex fracture patterns is of highest interest in forensic investigation of traumatic death. In modern forensic imaging, basic and complementary (minimally invasive) methods can be employed as needed [17,18].…”

“…Its physical principle is based on use of the magnetic properties of certain atomic nuclei. After stimulation by magnetic fields and radiofrequency, specific signals are emitted which can be transformed into images [17,18]. MRI is especially useful to investigate soft tissue.…”

Toward safer thanatopraxy cares: formaldehyde‐releasers use

“…The arguments against dissection include ethical and financial issues, fears of health hazards, and awareness of people's sensitivities and religious beliefs (Brenner, 2014). Moreover, at the time of virtualization, the imaging tools and practices can offer many alternatives (post mortem computed tomography, post mortem angiography, post mortem magnetic resonance imaging; Grabherr et al 2017). On the other hand, there are also an increasing number of clinicians arguing for re-enhancing anatomical education by dissection, because tissue resistance, texture and mechanical properties cannot be mimicked by artificial models (Korf et al 2008;Balta et al 2017).…”

Feasibility Study of MRI Muscles Molecular Imaging in Evaluation of Early Post-Mortem Interval

“…Modern imaging techniques (CT and MRI) are diagnostic tools of increasing importance for the forensic and legal medicine in post-mortem investigations, as an adjunct or as an alternative to autopsy. Although post-mortem imaging has some well-known limitations, today pre-autopsy post-mortem CT (PMCT) and/or post-mortem MR (PMMR) are considered useful procedures in many forensic institutes world-wide 11,12 with good performances for depicting cause of death, traumatic findings in corpses and in the definition of post-mortem interval 11,[13][14][15] .…”