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Multi-phase postmortem CT angiography: recognizing technique-related artefacts and pitfalls

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International Journal of Legal Medicine Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

Background and purpose

Multi-phase postmortem CT angiography (MPMCTA) is increasingly being recognized as a valuable adjunct medicolegal tool to explore the vascular system. Adequate interpretation, however, requires knowledge about the most common technique-related artefacts. The purpose of this study was to identify and index the possible artefacts related to MPMCTA.

Material and methods

An experienced radiologist blinded to all clinical and forensic data retrospectively reviewed 49 MPMCTAs. Each angiographic phase, i.e. arterial, venous and dynamic, was analysed separately to identify phase-specific artefacts based on location and aspect.

Results

Incomplete contrast filling of the cerebral venous system was the most commonly encountered artefact, followed by contrast agent layering in the lumen of the thoracic aorta. Enhancement or so-called oedematization of the digestive system mucosa was also frequently observed.

Conclusion

All MPMCTA artefacts observed and described here are reproducible and easily identifiable. Knowledge about these artefacts is important to avoid misinterpreting them as pathological findings.

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Acknowledgments

This study was financially supported by the Promotion Agency for Innovation of the Swiss Confederation (KTI Nr.10221.1 PFIW-IW) and by the Fondation Leenaards, Lausanne, Switzerland.

Conflicts of interest

The authors have no conflicts of interest to disclose.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. University Centre of Legal Medicine, Lausanne–Geneva, University Hospital of Lausanne, Rue du Bugnon 21, 1011, Lausanne, Switzerland

    C. Bruguier, P. Mangin & S. Grabherr

  2. Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, University Hospital of Lausanne, Rue du Bugnon 46, 1011, Lausanne, Switzerland

    C. Bruguier, P. J. Mosimann, A. Uské & F. Doenz

  3. University Centre of Legal Medicine, Lausanne–Geneva, University of Geneva, Rue Michel-Servet 1, 1211, Geneva 4, Switzerland

    P. Vaucher

  4. Center for Forensic Imaging, Institute of Forensic Medicine, University of Bern, Buehlstr. 20, 3012, Bern, Switzerland

    C. Jackowski

Authors
  1. C. Bruguier
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  2. P. J. Mosimann
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  3. P. Vaucher
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  4. A. Uské
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  5. F. Doenz
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  6. C. Jackowski
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  7. P. Mangin
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  8. S. Grabherr
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to C. Bruguier.

Additional information

C. Bruguier and P. J. Mosimann contributed equally to this work.

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Bruguier, C., Mosimann, P.J., Vaucher, P. et al. Multi-phase postmortem CT angiography: recognizing technique-related artefacts and pitfalls. Int J Legal Med 127, 639–652 (2013). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00414-013-0840-9

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00414-013-0840-9

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