Detection of blood aspiration in deadly head gunshots comparing postmortem computed tomography (PMCT) and autopsy.
BACKGROUND
The aim of our study was to analyze the reliability of postmortem computed tomography (PMCT) versus autopsy in detecting signs of blood aspiration in a distinct group of patients following deadly head, mouth or floor of mouth gunshot injuries.


METHODS
In this study, in 41 cases PMCT was compared to autopsy reports, the gold standard of postmortem exams, regarding detection of blood aspiration. PMCT was evaluated for the presence and level of typical signs of blood aspiration in the major airways and lung using a semi-quantitative scale ranging from level 0 (no aspiration) to 3 (significant aspiration) also taking density values of the described potential aspiratory changes into account.


RESULTS
Overall, in 29 (70.7%) of 41 enrolled cases PMCT and autopsy revealed the same level of aspiration. A difference of one level between PMCT and autopsy resulted for 5 (12.2%) of the remaining 12 cases. More than one level difference between both methods resulted for 7 cases (17.2%). Autopsy described no signs of aspiration in 10 cases, compared to 31 cases with reported blood aspiration. In contrast, PMCT revealed no signs of blood aspiration in 15 cases whereas 26 cases were rated as positive for signs of aspiration in the major airways. In 18 of these 26 cases considered positive for blood aspiration by autopsy and PMCT, clear signs of aspiration signs were also described bilaterally by both methods.


CONCLUSIONS
The presented study provides evidence for the assumption that PMCT seems to be helpful in the detection of blood aspiration in cases of deadly head gunshots. In conclusion, it seems reasonable to suggest performing PMCT additionally to traditional postmortem exams in cases of suspected aspiration to rule out false-negative cases and to possibly allow for a more detailed and rather evidence based examination reconnoitering the cause of death. However, the adequate use of PMCT in this context needs further evaluation and the definition of an objective scale for aspiration detection on PMCT needs to be established in future studies.
Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich, Munich, Germany.
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Scaparra
Institute of Forensic Medicine, Ludwig Maximilians University, Nussbaumstrasse 11, 80336, Munich, Germany.
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Peschel
Department of Trauma Surgery, Klinikum Rechts der Isar, Technische Universität München, Ismaninger Strasse 22, 81675, Munich, Germany.
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Kirchhoff
Institute of Clinical Radiology, Ludwig Maximilians University Munich, Klinikum Großhadern, Marchioninistrasse 15, 81377, Munich, Germany.
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Reiser
Institute of Clinical Radiology, Ludwig Maximilians University Munich, Klinikum Großhadern, Marchioninistrasse 15, 81377, Munich, Germany. Sonja.kirchhoff@me.com.
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Kirchhoff
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001344:Autopsy; D005260:Female; D049429:Forensic Pathology / Q000379:methods; D020197:Head Injuries, Penetrating / Q000097:blood* / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D053120:Respiratory Aspiration / Q000097:blood* / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed; D014948:Wounds, Gunshot / Q000097:blood* / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D055815:Young Adult
Autopsy; Blood aspiration; Comparison; Gunshot; Head; Postmortem computed tomography