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Postmortem-computed tomography and postmortem-computed tomography–angiography: a focused update

  • ETHICS AND FORENSIC RADIOLOGY
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Abstract

The use of multidetector CT (MDCT) represents a reality routinely used in several forensic institutes, for the numerous advantages that this diagnostic tool can provide; costs are becoming increasingly lower; data acquisition is always faster and once acquired may be revalued at any time. However, there are also some diagnostic limitations, for example, the visualization of the vascular system or a limited soft tissue contrast. In order to overcome these limitations, in recent years, contrast medium has been introduced in postmortem cases, with the development of several techniques of PMCT angiography (PMCTA) and standardized protocols to make them easily reproducible. The aim of this review is to highlight the advantages and pitfalls of PMCT and PMCTA in forensic investigation, taking into consideration the broad spectrum of applications both for natural and unnatural deaths and the numerous methods currently used. Secondly, in the light of the considerable progress in this field and the attempt to develop standardized protocols of PMCTA, the authors aim to evaluate the diagnostic value of PMCTA in comparison both to PMCT and conventional autopsy.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Anatomical, Histological, Forensic and Orthopaedic Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, Viale Regina Elena 336, 00185, Rome, Italy

    Francesco Paolo Busardò, Paola Frati & Vittorio Fineschi

  2. Neuromed, Istituto Mediterraneo Neurologico (IRCCS), Via Atinense 18, Pozzilli, 86077, Isernia, Italy

    Paola Frati

  3. Department of Radiology, University of Foggia, Foggia, Italy

    Giuseppe Guglielmi

  4. Department of Radiology, Scientific Institute Hospital “Casa Sollievo Della Sofferenza”, San Giovanni Rotondo, FG, Italy

    Giuseppe Guglielmi

  5. Department of Radiology, Azienda Ospedaliera Ospedali Riuniti, Foggia, Italy

    Giampaolo Grilli

  6. Department of Radiology, “A. Cardarelli” Hospital, Naples, Italy

    Antonio Pinto

  7. Department of Internal and Experimental Medicine “Magrassi-Lanzara”, Second University of Naples, Naples, Italy

    Antonio Rotondo

  8. Department of Radiological Sciences, Oncology and Pathology, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy

    Valeria Panebianco

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  1. Francesco Paolo Busardò
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Busardò, F.P., Frati, P., Guglielmi, G. et al. Postmortem-computed tomography and postmortem-computed tomography–angiography: a focused update. Radiol med 120, 810–823 (2015). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11547-015-0559-4

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