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Postmortem Computed Tomography (PMCT) Scanning with Angiography (PMCTA): A Description of Three Distinct Methods

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Essentials of Autopsy Practice

Abstract

Postmortem computed tomography (PMCT) is becoming a standard method of forensic investigation. Many centers are now augmenting PMCT with contrast agents, particularly to create PMCT angiography (PMCTA). This chapter describes three distinct methods of achieving PMCTA and the contrast agents they use: first, whole body angiographic techniques in Switzerland; second, using cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) to establish circulation in Japan; and third, targeted coronary angiography techniques in the UK. These three methods provide vascular and to a lesser extent parenchymal contrast enhancement information to PMCT. All methods could be adopted in any forensic unit, even when using hospital clinical scanners. The choice of method rests on several factors including cost, local experience, time available on the scanner, and local cultural and religious preferences. Ideally, however, the choice will also rest on using the most suitable method for the individual case. As can be seen from the development of these methods, modifications are possible to the technique and choice of contrast media that would change the information achieved, allowing refinement of each method to suit an individual case. The authors have no doubt that the use of these contrast-enhanced methods will further strengthen the role of PMCT in forensic investigation.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Radiology, University of Leicester, Leicester, Leicestershire, UK

    Bruno Morgan MA, PhD, BM, BCh, MRCP, FRCR

  2. Department of Forensic Medicine, Hirosaki University Graduate School of Medicine, Hirosaki City, Aomori Prefecture, Japan

    Namiko Sakamoto MD

  3. Department of Radiology, Tsukuba Medical Center, Tsukuba, Ibaraki, Japan

    Seiji Shiotani MD

  4. Unit of Forensic Medicine, University Center of Legal Medicine Lausanne-Geneva, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland

    Silke Grabherr MD, PhD

Authors
  1. Bruno Morgan MA, PhD, BM, BCh, MRCP, FRCR
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  2. Namiko Sakamoto MD
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  3. Seiji Shiotani MD
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  4. Silke Grabherr MD, PhD
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Correspondence to Bruno Morgan MA, PhD, BM, BCh, MRCP, FRCR .

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  1. University of Leicester, Leicester, United Kingdom

    Guy N. Rutty

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Morgan, B., Sakamoto, N., Shiotani, S., Grabherr, S. (2014). Postmortem Computed Tomography (PMCT) Scanning with Angiography (PMCTA): A Description of Three Distinct Methods. In: Rutty, G. (eds) Essentials of Autopsy Practice. Springer, London. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4471-5270-5_1

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