Whole-body post-mortem computed tomography angiography of a newborn revealing transposition of great arteries

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.

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“…MPMCTA is standardized for the application in adult bodies. Paediatric protocols will be developed in the future [ 65 , 66 ].…”

Section: The Methodsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Modern post-mortem imaging: an update on recent developments

Grabherr

Egger

Vilarino

et al. 2017

Forensic Sciences Research

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“…Unsuspected malformations or anatomical anomalies that are not externally evident are still challenges for postmortem imaging. For cardiac malformations or coronary diseases, some elements of diagnoses will surely be available if MRI and PMCT angiography are used [1,2,25].…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Performance of post-mortem CT compared to autopsy in children

et al. 2016

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“…These have been published by EPSR (jointly with the International Society of Forensic Radiology and Imaging (ISFRI) [8]) and the Society of Pediatric Radiology (SPR) [9]. Whilst there are reports that have demonstrated some utility in ventilated PMCT [10] or the addition of intravascular contrast (e.g., PMCTA) [11,12], neither is routinely practiced in children.…”

Section: How To Perform/acquire Ctmentioning

confidence: 99%

How to report perinatal and paediatric postmortem CT

Shelmerdine,

Arthurs

2024

Insights Imaging

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Postmortem CT (PMCT) has become increasingly accepted alongside skeletal surveys as a critical part of investigation in childhood deaths, either as part of a suite of non-invasive investigations through parental choice, or comprehensive evaluation in a forensic setting. Whilst CT image acquisition and protocols have been published and are relatively standardised, CT imaging reporting remains highly variable, largely dependent upon reporter experience and expertise. The main “risk” in PMCT is the over-interpretation of normal physiological changes on imaging as pathological, potentially leading to misdiagnosis or overdiagnosis of the disease. In this article, we present a pragmatic standardised reporting framework, developed over a decade of PMCT reporting in children in our institution, with examples of positive and negative findings, so that it may aid in the interpretation of PMCT images with those less experienced in paediatric findings and postmortem imaging. Critical relevance statement Standardised reporting using a common framework with a sound understanding of normal postmortem changes that occur in children are crucial in avoiding common reporting errors at postmortem CT. Key Points Familiarity with postmortem imaging is required for useful image reporting, and reporting standards vary. Understanding normal postmortem change from significant abnormalities requires training and experience. Following a template may remind reporters what to include and help improve performance. Graphical Abstract

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Whole-body post-mortem computed tomography angiography of a newborn revealing transposition of great arteries

Cited by 12 publications

References 25 publications

Modern post-mortem imaging: an update on recent developments

Modern post-mortem imaging: an update on recent developments

Performance of post-mortem CT compared to autopsy in children

How to report perinatal and paediatric postmortem CT

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