Utility of postmortem autopsy via whole-body imaging: initial observations comparing MDCT and 3.0 T MRI findings with autopsy findings.
OBJECTIVE
We prospectively compared whole-body multidetector computed tomography (MDCT) and 3.0 T magnetic resonance (MR) images with autopsy findings.


METHODS
Five cadavers were subjected to whole-body, 16-channel MDCT and 3.0 T MR imaging within two hours before an autopsy. A radiologist classified the MDCT and 3.0 T MRI findings into major and minor findings, which were compared with autopsy findings.


RESULTS
Most of the imaging findings, pertaining to head and neck, heart and vascular, chest, abdomen, spine, and musculoskeletal lesions, corresponded to autopsy findings. The causes of death that were determined on the bases of MDCT and 3.0 T MRI findings were consistent with the autopsy findings in four of five cases. CT was useful in diagnosing fatal hemorrhage and pneumothorax, as well as determining the shapes and characteristics of the fractures and the direction of external force. MRI was effective in evaluating and tracing the route of a metallic object, soft tissue lesions, chronicity of hemorrhage, and bone bruises.


CONCLUSIONS
A postmortem MDCT combined with MRI is a potentially powerful tool, providing noninvasive and objective measurements for forensic investigations.
Cha
Jang Gyu
JG
Department of Radiology, Soonchunhyang University Bucheon Hospital, Gyunggi-do 420-020, Korea.
Kim
Dong Hun
DH
Kim
Dae Ho
DH
Paik
Sang Hyun
SH
Park
Jai Soung
JS
Park
Seong Jin
SJ
Lee
Hae Kyung
HK
Hong
Hyun Sook
HS
Choi
Duek Lin
DL
Yang
Kyung Moo
KM
Chung
Nak Eun
NE
Lee
Bong Woo
BW
Seo
Joong Seok
JS
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001344:Autopsy / Q000379:methods*; D002102:Cadaver; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007091:Image Processing, Computer-Assisted; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging / Q000379:methods*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011446:Prospective Studies; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed / Q000379:methods*; D051598:Whole Body Imaging