The dead continue to teach the living: examining the role of computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging in the setting of postmortem examinations.
High-resolution imaging methods are used more frequently in the setting of postmortem investigation. Used for some time in forensics, computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) are now being evaluated as complementary or even as alternative means of postmortem examination. We review briefly the history of autopsy and the reasons for the gradual decrease in autopsy rates. An overview of advantages and limitations of modern imaging autopsy techniques is then presented, which includes a discussion of the potential role of imaging autopsy in medical and surgical education. Potential future applications of this technology in postmortem analysis, which includes the incorporation of ultrasound technology, are then discussed.
Department of Surgery, Division of Traumatology and Surgical Critical Care, University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, USA.
S Peter
SP
Stawicki
Vicente H
VH
Gracias
Sherwin P
SP
Schrag
Niels D
ND
Martin
Anthony J
AJ
Dean
Brian A
BA
Hoey
D000465:Algorithms; D001344:Autopsy / Q000379:methods; D006801:Humans; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed