Virtopsy: A New Era in Forensic Medico-Legal Autopsies

Abstract

In the field of forensic science, autopsy that is postmortem examination involves a thorough corpse examination done in order to determine the cause and manner of the death by invasive method. With the advancement of technology a new term: “Virtopsy” meaning virtual autopsy employs the application of imaging techniques namely computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has proven its advantages in the forensic field. It involves the scanning of dead bodies in a non-invasive manner. It a great alternative to the traditional autopsy as it provides wide-range and systemic examination of the whole body in a less time duration, benefits in diagnosis as well as renders respect to religious sentiments. Method is more specific, sensitive, & precise and accurately reflect soft tissue injuries, organ damage, wound extent, fractures which provides instinctive and powerful court evidence for forensic identification. The chapter will be describing the importance of “Virtopsy” in the field of forensic science and its future scope in forensic crime investigations.

Forensic Science: Revealing the Clues

“…The area of post-mortem investigations has undergone a revolution with the advent of minimally invasive autopsy techniques, such as "Virtopsy" meaning virtual autopsies that make use of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and computed tomography (CT) scans [14]. In order to conduct thorough investigations without the necessity for traditional invasive autopsies, forensic pathologists can now visualise interior organs, tissues, and pathological alterations in three dimensions thanks to non-invasive imaging technologies [14]. This development improves the acceptance and accessibility of post-mortem exams by reducing the invasiveness and time needed for operations while also making it easier to preserve the body for cultural or religious reasons.…”