Welcome to the ISFRI conference 2015 special
Publication date: Available online 7 January 2016 Source:Journal of Forensic Radiology and Imaging Author(s): Guy Rutty (Source: Journal of Forensic Radiology and Imaging)
Source: Journal of Forensic Radiology and Imaging - January 12, 2016 Category: Radiology Source Type: research

Ventilated post-mortem computed tomography – a historical review
Publication date: Available online 11 January 2016 Source:Journal of Forensic Radiology and Imaging Author(s): Guy N. Rutty, Bruno Morgan, Tanja Germerott, Michael Thali, Owen Athurs In an attempt to improve the diagnostic quality of post-mortem computed tomography (PMCT) lung image interpretation, a series of authors have developed an approach that mimics deep inspiration and breath hold clinical thoracic CT imaging in the dead. Known as ventilated post-mortem computed tomography or VPMCT this technique has now been developed and applied to adult and paediatric PMCT imaging. This review, authored by the prin...
Source: Journal of Forensic Radiology and Imaging - January 12, 2016 Category: Radiology Source Type: research

Computed tomography slice thickness and its effects on three-dimensional reconstruction of anatomical structures
This study proposes using a 1.25mm maximum slice thickness when forensic practitioners require 3D reconstruction in their casework. (Source: Journal of Forensic Radiology and Imaging)
Source: Journal of Forensic Radiology and Imaging - December 29, 2015 Category: Radiology Source Type: research

Accuracy of paediatric intraosseous needle placement from post mortem imaging
Conclusions Up to a third of ION found at PM imaging are incorrectly placed and lie mostly within the soft tissues of the leg. We highlight this error rate to educate those placing ION in an emergency situation. (Source: Journal of Forensic Radiology and Imaging)
Source: Journal of Forensic Radiology and Imaging - December 29, 2015 Category: Radiology Source Type: research

Virtopsy material testing: Bicycle helmet inspection after an apparently minor fall
Publication date: Available online 23 October 2015 Source:Journal of Forensic Radiology and Imaging Author(s): Wolf Schweitzer, Michael Thali (Source: Journal of Forensic Radiology and Imaging)
Source: Journal of Forensic Radiology and Imaging - December 29, 2015 Category: Radiology Source Type: research

Postmortem computed tomography suggests the possibility of fatal asphyxiation by mochi, Japanese rice cakes: A case report of postmortem radiologic findings
In this report, we discuss the role of MSCT in cases of fatal food choking. (Source: Journal of Forensic Radiology and Imaging)
Source: Journal of Forensic Radiology and Imaging - December 29, 2015 Category: Radiology Source Type: research

How does post-mortem imaging compare to autopsy, is this a relevant question?
Publication date: Available online 10 November 2015 Source:Journal of Forensic Radiology and Imaging Author(s): Bruno Morgan, Guy N. Rutty The rapid development of imaging techniques used for the investigation of death invites the question “how does imaging compare with autopsy”. This paper 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 t...
Source: Journal of Forensic Radiology and Imaging - December 29, 2015 Category: Radiology Source Type: research

The common pattern of postmortem changes on whole body CT scans
Publication date: Available online 10 November 2015 Source:Journal of Forensic Radiology and Imaging Author(s): W.M. Klein, T. Kunz, K. Hermans, A.R. Bayat, D.H.J.L.M. Koopmanschap The postmortem changes on postmortem computed tomography (PMCT) seem to have a regular pattern over time. Studying these changes could lead to a better understanding of postmortem physiology and to differentiate between normal and pathological aspects. We studied the patterns and aspects of the postmortem changes and made correlations to the postmortem interval (PMI). Five deceased bodies (4M, 1F; mean age 79 years; 2 cancer, 3 unk...
Source: Journal of Forensic Radiology and Imaging - December 29, 2015 Category: Radiology Source Type: research

Optical coherence tomography of re-pressurised porcine coronary arteries: A systematic study
Conclusion We conclude that OCT in the ex-vivo setting is feasible and re-pressurisation significantly alters vascular dimensions. This implies, there might be significant discrepancies between the true severities of stenosis in life and that which is determined by visual estimation during autopsy in the collapsed vessels. OCT of re-pressurised vessel can overcome this issue and has the potential to improve the accuracy of post-mortem assessment of coronary artery disease. (Source: Journal of Forensic Radiology and Imaging)
Source: Journal of Forensic Radiology and Imaging - December 29, 2015 Category: Radiology Source Type: research

Measuring pressure during coronary artery angiography in ex-vivo hearts
This study was designed to investigate the introduction of pressure measurement to PMCTA in order to understand the importance of re-pressurising vessels in the evaluation of CAD. Ex-vivo porcine hearts were used to develop the technique. Methods to introduce catheters and wires were investigated and a system was developed to suspend the heart, to enable pressure tests and CT scans. Consistent measurable pressures were achieved with good correlation of measured arterial pressure to delivered pressure in most cases. Pressure measurements were shown to be inaccurate in decomposed hearts, poor dissection and cannulation damag...
Source: Journal of Forensic Radiology and Imaging - December 29, 2015 Category: Radiology Source Type: research

Small – but fatal: Postmortem computed tomography indicated acute tonsillitis
The objective of this case report was to highlight the benefit of postmortem imaging in the detection of focus of infection and inflammation in minor accessible neck regions. However the cooperation of postmortem imaging, external inspection and autopsy was constructive. Forensic imaging included a routine whole-body postmortem computed tomography (PMCT) using a dual-source CT scanner (Flash Definition, Siemens, Forchheim, Germany). Initial external inspection and subsequent autopsy were performed. The imaging results revealed focused emphysema of the neck descending to the mediastinum. External inspection showed unusual, ...
Source: Journal of Forensic Radiology and Imaging - December 29, 2015 Category: Radiology Source Type: research

Postmortem computed tomography-angiography (PMCTA) in decomposed bodies – A feasibility study
Conclusions PMCTA in decomposed bodies is feasible, even for heavily decomposed cases. The main limiting factors for the diagnostic accessibility of the vascular system are tissue destruction due to maggot infestation and autolytic changes, which are mainly in the upper abdominal organs. (Source: Journal of Forensic Radiology and Imaging)
Source: Journal of Forensic Radiology and Imaging - December 29, 2015 Category: Radiology Source Type: research

Skull fractures in post-mortem CT: VRT, flat and skin surface projections in comparison
In conclusion, various 3D projection methods may be of help for imaging in forensic medicine; particularly, training and comparative viewing may provide best results in the future. (Source: Journal of Forensic Radiology and Imaging)
Source: Journal of Forensic Radiology and Imaging - December 29, 2015 Category: Radiology Source Type: research

Frozen (iced) effect on postmortem CT – Experimental evaluation
Publication date: December 2015 Source:Journal of Forensic Radiology and Imaging, Volume 3, Issue 4 Author(s): Hideki Hyodoh, Keishi Ogura, Miyu Sugimoto, Yuya Suzuki, Ayumi Kanazawa, Rina Murakami, Junya Shimizu, Masumi Rokukawa, Shunichiro Okazaki, Keisuke Mizuo, Satoshi Watanabe The aim of this study is to experimentally evaluate the computed tomography (CT) attenuation of water, saline, iced saline and water ice cubes in order to relate these measurements to low density findings of cadavers on PMCT. Comparing the fluids with the iced materials, the CT number was lower in iced (frozen, with gas...
Source: Journal of Forensic Radiology and Imaging - December 29, 2015 Category: Radiology Source Type: research

Diffusion tensor brain imaging in forensic radiology
Conclusion Both longitudinal diffusivity, transverse diffusivity and ADC are reduced PM. The lack of FA changes in white matter PM implies that FA changes in stroke are due to the ischemic cascade rather than direct cell death. Gray matter of the caudate showed an increase in FA similar to what is seen in a number of both degenerative and inflammatory pathologies. (Source: Journal of Forensic Radiology and Imaging)
Source: Journal of Forensic Radiology and Imaging - December 29, 2015 Category: Radiology Source Type: research