Role of autopsy imaging‐computed tomography in the post‐mortem study of farm animals

Abstract

Background Autopsy imaging (Ai) is used to determine the cause of death, providing pre‐dissection information. Ai is often used in the field of human forensic medicine but has never been applied on farm animals. Methods Ai‐computed tomography (CT) was performed before necropsy for farm animals (one goat, one ox, one cow and three calves) that died or were euthanised. Results Ai‐CT findings of rib fractures (case 1), urethral calculi (case 2), multiple osteolytic bone lesions (case 3 and 4) and hair balls (case 4) were confirmed by dissection. However, a tentative diagnosis of actinomycosis was made in an ox (case 5) using antemortem radiography and Ai‐CT, and the mass was identified as ameloblastic fibro‐odontoma on histological examination. A tentative diagnosis of maxillary abscess was made from antemortem radiography in a cow (case 6); however, the lesion was shown to be maxillary neoplasia on Ai‐CT. The mass was identified as hemangiosarcoma on histopathological examination. Conclusion Ai is helpful in pathological examination because the specific findings are known before the dissection, the lesions can be pinpointed in the pathological dissection, facilitating workflow; furthermore, the oversight of lesions can be reduced. In addition, Ai‐CT images, including three‐dimensional images and a three‐dimensional printed model, allowed an easy understanding of pathology among students and farmers. Ai‐CT for farm animals represents a novel option for veterinary education.

Fatal myocardial infarction investigated using contrast‐enhanced postmortem computed tomography: A case report

“…7,8 The usefulness of PMCT in clarifying the cause of death has previously been reported. [9][10][11] One of these reports prospectively compared the AI with clinical diagnoses. 10 The report showed a discrepancy between AI and clinical determination of the immediate cause of death; accuracy rates were 46% for clinical diagnosis and 74% for AI.…”

“…The usefulness of PMCT in clarifying the cause of death has previously been reported 9–11 . One of these reports prospectively compared the AI with clinical diagnoses 10 .…”