New identification possibilities with postmortem multislice computed tomography.
Historically, radiographical identification has been done by comparing conventional antemortem and postmortem X-ray images. The advent of new technologies such as multislice computed tomography (MSCT) is making traditional antemortem examination increasingly less frequent. The authors present the results of MSCT study of 35 corpses, which demonstrated features potentially useful for identification purposes in ten cases. These features, which relate to abnormalities of postcranial bone as well as of the internal organs, are presented. Attempts were made to find any antemortem X-rays or MSCTs on the cases described to compare the two antemortem and postmortem images. Although antemortem imaging was recovered for only two cases (one case with a skeletal abnormality and one case with a visceral abnormality), it permitted for both cases the comparison of antemortem and postmortem MSCTs.
Dedouit
Fabrice
F
Service de Médecine Légale, Hôpital de Rangueil, 1 avenue du Professeur Jean Poulhès, TSA 50032, 31059 Toulouse Cedex 9, France. fabded2@hotmail.com
Telmon
Norbert
N
Costagliola
Rémi
R
Otal
Philippe
P
Florence
Loubes Lacroix
LL
Joffre
Francis
F
Rougé
Daniel
D
D000328:Adult; D001344:Autopsy / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence; D005260:Female; D018732:Forensic Anthropology / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D007091:Image Processing, Computer-Assisted; D021621:Imaging, Three-Dimensional; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011180:Postmortem Changes; D013795:Thanatology; D036542:Tomography, Spiral Computed / Q000379:methods*