title: Utility of postmortem autopsy via whole-body imaging: initial observations comparing MDCT and 3.0 T MRI findings with autopsy findings.
abstract: 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.
authors.affiliation: Department of Radiology, Soonchunhyang University Bucheon Hospital, Gyunggi-do 420-020, Korea.
authors.forename: Jang Gyu
authors.initials: JG
authors.lastname: Cha
authors.forename: Dong Hun
authors.initials: DH
authors.lastname: Kim
authors.forename: Dae Ho
authors.initials: DH
authors.lastname: Kim
authors.forename: Sang Hyun
authors.initials: SH
authors.lastname: Paik
authors.forename: Jai Soung
authors.initials: JS
authors.lastname: Park
authors.forename: Seong Jin
authors.initials: SJ
authors.lastname: Park
authors.forename: Hae Kyung
authors.initials: HK
authors.lastname: Lee
authors.forename: Hyun Sook
authors.initials: HS
authors.lastname: Hong
authors.forename: Duek Lin
authors.initials: DL
authors.lastname: Choi
authors.forename: Kyung Moo
authors.initials: KM
authors.lastname: Yang
authors.forename: Nak Eun
authors.initials: NE
authors.lastname: Chung
authors.forename: Bong Woo
authors.initials: BW
authors.lastname: Lee
authors.forename: Joong Seok
authors.initials: JS
authors.lastname: Seo
mesh_terms: 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