title: Multi-phase postmortem CT angiography: recognizing technique-related artefacts and pitfalls.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Multi-phase postmortem CT angiography (MPMCTA) is increasingly being recognized as a valuable adjunct medicolegal tool to explore the vascular system. Adequate interpretation, however, requires knowledge about the most common technique-related artefacts. The purpose of this study was to identify and index the possible artefacts related to MPMCTA.
  
  
  METHODS
  An experienced radiologist blinded to all clinical and forensic data retrospectively reviewed 49 MPMCTAs. Each angiographic phase, i.e. arterial, venous and dynamic, was analysed separately to identify phase-specific artefacts based on location and aspect.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Incomplete contrast filling of the cerebral venous system was the most commonly encountered artefact, followed by contrast agent layering in the lumen of the thoracic aorta. Enhancement or so-called oedematization of the digestive system mucosa was also frequently observed.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  All MPMCTA artefacts observed and described here are reproducible and easily identifiable. Knowledge about these artefacts is important to avoid misinterpreting them as pathological findings.
authors.affiliation: University Centre of Legal Medicine, Lausanne-Geneva, University Hospital of Lausanne, Rue du Bugnon 21, 1011 Lausanne, Switzerland. christine.bruguier@chuv.ch
authors.forename: C
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Bruguier
authors.forename: P J
authors.initials: PJ
authors.lastname: Mosimann
authors.forename: P
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Vaucher
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Uské
authors.forename: F
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Doenz
authors.forename: C
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Jackowski
authors.forename: P
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Mangin
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Grabherr
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000792:Angiography / Q000379:methods*; D016477:Artifacts; D001344:Autopsy / Q000379:methods*; D002319:Cardiovascular System / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000473:pathology; D002423:Cause of Death; D004064:Digestive System / Q000098:blood supply / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000473:pathology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D016037:Single-Blind Method; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed / Q000379:methods*