Unenhanced PMCT in the diagnosis of fatal traumatic brain injury in a charred body.

Traffic incidents are one of the most frequent causes of death in young adults worldwide. Depending on the location of the incident, the velocity of the vehicle(s), the weather condition, traffic incidents are often complicated making the investigation of the circumstances difficult. Here we report a case of an incinerated body involved in a vehicle incident. Differential diagnosis included natural cause of death during driving, fatal traumatic injuries, death due to fire and positional asphyxia. The body was submitted to PMCT prior to autopsy as part of a research protocol (N. 1388/2016) at the Department of Medical Imaging of the University Hospital of Heraklion in Crete, Greece. Unenhanced PMCT revealed craniofacial fractures, a thin film of subdural haemorrhage and an epidural fluid collection. The findings were interpreted as consistent with an impact to the face, causing craniofacial fractures mainly on the right side, and an acute subdural hematoma. Autopsy findings corroborated the diagnosis. The epidural hematoma was deemed to be post-mortem heat-induced. This case is an excellent example of the diagnostic value of PMCT in the medicolegal investigation of death.

Unexpected active tuberculosis on Post Mortem CT: A case report and review of the literature.

Unexpected active tuberculosis (TB) at autopsy represents a serious transmissible health risk to mortuary and laboratory staff. Post Mortem CT (PMCT) is widely accepted as a valuable adjunct to autopsy throughout the world, but the uptake and implementation varies from country to country. We present a case of unexpected active TB on PMCT and review the literature on the incidence of and risks from the condition. We use this unexpected finding, and the fact that PMCT was in this case also able to provide the information for parts I and II of the Death Certificate as a further argument for the routine use of PMCT by all Forensic Institutes.