ABSTRACT
Objective: The aim of the present work is to analyze the differences and similarities between the elements of a conventional autopsy and images obtained from postmortem computed tomography in a case of a homicide stab wound. Method: Comparison between the findings of different methods: autopsy and postmortem computed tomography. Results: In some aspects, autopsy is still superior to imaging, especially in relation to external examination and the description of lesion vitality. However, the findings of gas embolism, pneumothorax and pulmonary emphysema and the relationship between the internal path of the instrument of aggression and the entry wound are better demonstrated by postmortem computed tomography. Conclusions: Although multislice computed tomography has greater accuracy than autopsy, we believe that the conventional autopsy method is fundamental for providing evidence in criminal investigations. .
Subject(s)
Adult , Humans , Male , Autopsy/methods , Homicide , Multidetector Computed Tomography/methods , Wounds, Stab/pathology , Wounds, Stab , Feasibility Studies , Forensic Medicine/methods , Imaging, Three-Dimensional/methods , Observer Variation , Reproducibility of Results , Thoracic Injuries/pathology , Thoracic InjuriesABSTRACT
Two hundred autopsy cases that died from cranio-cerebral injury were analyzed on the damage characteristics caused by different instruments. The injury mechanism was then classified according to beating direction, sequence, as well as baring spot of injury, which is seek to serve for the estimation of wounding instruments and determination of the character of case.