title: Analysis of laryngeal fractures in decomposed bodies using microfocus computed tomography (mfCT).
abstract: Postmortem computed tomography (CT) is now routinely performed in forensic autopsies. Microfocus computed tomography (mfCT) has attracted recent attention because it can provide more detailed information than routine postmortem CT can. This feasibility study evaluated the usefulness of mfCT for examination of the hyoid bone and thyroid cartilage in cases of suspected strangulation, where advanced decomposition precludes detection of petechial hemorrhages and hemorrhages adjacent to fractures. The results show that mfCT was useful for identification of thin fracture lines in the fragile laryngeal structures. We suggest that mfCT should be considered for forensic autopsies in cases of suspected strangulation with advanced decomposition.
authors.affiliation: Department of Experimental Forensic Medicine, Institute of Forensic Medicine, Saarland University Medical School, Kirrbergerstr. 100/Building 42, 66424, Homburg/Saar, Germany, Mattias.Kettner@gmx.de.
authors.forename: Mattias
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Kettner
authors.forename: Stefan
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Potente
authors.forename: Boris
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Schulz
authors.forename: Peter
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Knauff
authors.forename: Peter H
authors.initials: PH
authors.lastname: Schmidt
authors.forename: Frank
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Ramsthaler
mesh_terms: D001237:Asphyxia / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D001344:Autopsy; D002423:Cause of Death; D017809:Fatal Outcome; D005240:Feasibility Studies; D005260:Female; D050723:Fractures, Bone / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D050724:Fractures, Cartilage / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D006708:Homicide; D006801:Humans; D006928:Hyoid Bone / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000293:injuries; D008875:Middle Aged; D061330:Multidetector Computed Tomography / Q000379:methods*; D019838:Neck Injuries / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D011180:Postmortem Changes; D011237:Predictive Value of Tests; D011829:Radiation Dosage; D013957:Thyroid Cartilage / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000293:injuries; D055114:X-Ray Microtomography / Q000379:methods*