[Comparison between application of imaging techniques and autopsy in the identification of injury manner].
OBJECTIVE
To explore the application of imaging techniques in determining the death cause and injury manner.


METHODS
One case due to high fall was fully examined using multi-slice spiral computed tomography (MSCT), 3-D imaging creation and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). The systemic and detailed autopsy was subsequently performed to compare with the results from imaging studies. The advantages and disadvantages of autopsy and imaging studies were then analyzed.


RESULTS
Most of the important information such as trauma, fracture and hemorrhage could be obtained by imaging techniques. Furthermore, imaging methods can predict injuries in internal body before autopsy and be minimal or non-invasive to the cadaver. However, the imaging techniques probably also can not find some details in comparison to autopsy in forensic practice and need to improve in their future application.


CONCLUSIONS
Application of imaging techniques can be used as the guidance and complimentary for the forensic autopsy in the identification of injury manner. In addition, the application can even be used to replace autopsy in some special circumstances.
Shanghai Key Laboratory of. Forensic Medicine, Institute of Forensic Science, Ministry of Justice, Shanghai 200063, China. liuningguo@yahoo.com.cn
Ning-Guo
NG
Liu
Dong-Hua
DH
Zou
Jian-Rong
JR
Xu
Hui-Lin
HL
Zhao
Jian
J
Zheng
Yi-Jiu
YJ
Chen
D001344:Autopsy; D002574:Cervical Vertebrae / Q000293:injuries / Q000473:pathology; D006259:Craniocerebral Trauma / Q000473:pathology; D049429:Forensic Pathology; D006801:Humans; D021621:Imaging, Three-Dimensional; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity; D016103:Spinal Fractures / Q000473:pathology; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed / Q000379:methods*; D014947:Wounds and Injuries / Q000473:pathology*