RESUMEN
The examination of children suspected of being abused poses a great challenge for forensic pathologists. The risk of misjudgment is high and can have serious consequences for the child and the family. In unclear cases, an assessment should always be carried out on an interdisciplinary basis with the involvement of the relevant disciplines such as pediatrics, dermatology, or radiology. We present the case of a 2.5-year-old boy who was presented by his parents at the Pediatric Emergency Department of a Swiss University Hospital due to fever and weight loss. During the physical examination, conspicuous findings on the abdomen were present, and the responsible emergency physicians informed the child protective services. A clinical forensic examination occurred on behalf of the child protection services. The abdomen of the child showed several symmetrical scars. The initial questioning of the parents did not provide clear information about the origin of the injuries. Further professional questioning of the family by the child protective services concluded that the injuries were the result of a traditional medical treatment in Somalia, which occurred several weeks before.
Asunto(s)
Cicatriz/etiología , Medicinas Tradicionales Africanas , Examen Físico , Maltrato a los Niños/diagnóstico , Maltrato a los Niños/prevención & control , Preescolar , Humanos , Masculino , Somalia/etnología , Suiza/epidemiologíaRESUMEN
INTRODUCTION: Putrefaction of the brain is a challenge to a forensic pathologist because it may lead to considerable organ alterations and restrict documenting reliable autopsy findings. OBJECTIVES: This study aims to present a new and systematic evaluation of possible benefits of post-mortem MR Neuroimaging (1.5 Tesla, sequences: T1w, T2w) in putrefied corpses in comparison to PMCT and autopsy. METHODS: A post-mortem MRI brain examination was conducted on 35 adult, putrefied corpses after performing a whole body CT scan prior to a forensic autopsy. Imaging data and autopsy findings were compared with regard to brain symmetry, gray and white matter junction, ventricular system, basal ganglia, cerebellum, brain stem, and possible pathological findings. RESULTS: At autopsy, a reliable assessment of the anatomical brain structures was often restricted. MR imaging offered an assessment of the anatomical brain structures, even at advanced stages of putrefaction. In two cases, MR imaging revealed pathological findings that were detectable neither by CT scans nor at autopsy. CONCLUSIONS: Post-mortem MR imaging of putrefied brains offers the possibility to assess brain morphology, even if the brain is liquefied. Post-mortem MR imaging of the brain should be considered if the assessment of a putrefied brain is crucial to the evaluation of a forensic autopsy case.
Asunto(s)
Encéfalo/patología , Imagen por Resonancia Magnética , Cambios Post Mortem , Tomografía Computarizada por Rayos X , Adulto , Anciano , Anciano de 80 o más Años , Femenino , Humanos , Masculino , Persona de Mediana Edad , Neuroimagen , Estudios Prospectivos , Adulto JovenRESUMEN
We present the postmortem findings of a fatal road accident involving a motorcyclist, a car, and a common buzzard. Both the motorcyclist and the bird died on the scene of the accident and were examined by postmortem full-body CT and autopsy. In addition, a facial injury of the motorcyclist was compared with the dimensions of the buzzard's beak and claws by 3D scan technologies. Blood splatters collected on the bird's beak, feet, and tail were examined by DNA analysis. The overall findings suggested a collision of a common buzzard with a motorcyclist in full speed, causing the motorcyclist to lose control of his vehicle and crash with an approaching car on the oncoming lane.
Asunto(s)
Accidentes de Tránsito , Aves , Motocicletas , Animales , Traumatismos Faciales/diagnóstico por imagen , Traumatismos Faciales/patología , Patologia Forense , Humanos , Imagenología Tridimensional , Masculino , Traumatismo Múltiple , Adulto JovenRESUMEN
Postmortem computed tomography (pmCT) is increasingly applied in forensic medicine as a documentation and diagnostic tool. The present study investigated if pmCT data can be used to estimate the corpse weight. In 50 forensic cases, pmCT examinations were performed prior to autopsy and the pmCT data were used to determine the body volume using an automated segmentation tool. PmCT was performed within 48 h postmortem. The body weights assessed prior to autopsy and the body volumes assessed using the pmCT data were used to calculate individual multiplication factors. The mean postmortem multiplication factor for the study cases was 1.07 g/ml. Using this factor, the body weight may be estimated retrospectively when necessary. Severe artifact causing foreign bodies within the corpses limit the use of pmCT data for body weight estimations.
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Peso Corporal , Tomografía Computarizada por Rayos X , Imagen de Cuerpo Entero , Adolescente , Adulto , Anciano , Anciano de 80 o más Años , Niño , Preescolar , Femenino , Medicina Legal , Humanos , Procesamiento de Imagen Asistido por Computador , Lactante , Recién Nacido , Masculino , Conceptos Matemáticos , Persona de Mediana Edad , Adulto JovenRESUMEN
Postmortem MRI (PMMR) examinations are seldom performed in legal medicine due to long examination times, unfamiliarity with the technique, and high costs. Furthermore, it is difficult to obtain access to an MRI device used for patients in clinical settings to image an entire human body. An alternative is available: ex situ organ examination. To our knowledge, there is no standardized protocol that includes ex situ organ preparation and scanning parameters for postmortem MRI. Thus, our objective was to develop a standard procedure for ex situ heart PMMR examinations. We also tested the oily contrast agent Angiofil® commonly used for PMCT angiography, for its applicability in MRI. We worked with a 3 Tesla MRI device and 32-channel head coils. Twelve porcine hearts were used to test different materials to find the best way to prepare and place organs in the device and to test scanning parameters. For coronary MR angiography, we tested different mixtures of Angiofil® and different injection materials. In a second step, 17 human hearts were examined to test the procedure and its applicability to human organs. We established two standardized protocols: one for preparation of the heart and another for scanning parameters based on experience in clinical practice. The established protocols enabled a standardized technical procedure with comparable radiological images, allowing for easy radiological reading. The performance of coronary MR angiography enabled detailed coronary assessment and revealed the utility of Angiofil® as a contrast agent for PMMR. Our simple, reproducible method for performing heart examinations ex situ yields high quality images and visualization of the coronary arteries.
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Autopsia/métodos , Vasos Coronarios/patología , Corazón , Imagen por Resonancia Magnética/métodos , Miocardio/patología , Animales , Medios de Contraste , Angiografía Coronaria/métodos , Técnicas In Vitro , Angiografía por Resonancia Magnética/métodos , PorcinosRESUMEN
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: 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. MATERIAL AND 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. CONCLUSION: 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.
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Angiografía/métodos , Artefactos , Autopsia/métodos , Tomografía Computarizada por Rayos X/métodos , Adolescente , Adulto , Anciano , Anciano de 80 o más Años , Sistema Cardiovascular/diagnóstico por imagen , Sistema Cardiovascular/patología , Causas de Muerte , Sistema Digestivo/irrigación sanguínea , Sistema Digestivo/diagnóstico por imagen , Sistema Digestivo/patología , Femenino , Humanos , Masculino , Persona de Mediana Edad , Estudios Retrospectivos , Método Simple CiegoRESUMEN
The aim of the present study was to determine the frequency of atlanto-axial rotatory subluxations (AARS) in multi detector computed tomography (MDCT) performed on human corpses for forensic purposes and to investigate whether these are a physiological postmortem finding or indicate a trauma to the neck region. 80 forensic cases examined with MDCT from November 2003 to March 2007 were included in the study. The study was approved by the regional ethics committee. For each case volumes were rendered and investigated with reference to suspected AARS and any other anomalies of the head and neck region. The rotation of the head as well as in the atlanto-axial joint were measured and occurring AARS were judged according Fielding's classification. The finding of AARS was correlated to case criteria such as postmortem head rotation, sex, age, cause of death, time since death and further autopsy results. Statistical analysis was performed using Fisher's exact test, Wilcoxon's rank sums test and Chi-square test with Pearson approximation. 70% (n=56) of the cases included in the study presented with an AARS. A strong correlation (P<.0001) between suspected AARS and postmortem head rotation was found. Two cases presented with an atlanto-axial rotation greater than the head rotation. One showed an undiscovered lateral dislocation of the atlas, and one an unfused atlas-ring. There was no correlation to any further investigated case criteria. Ipsilateral AARS with head rotation alone does not indicate trauma to the neck. PmCT can substantially support forensic examinations of the skeleton, especially in body regions, which are elaborate to access at autopsy, such as the cervical spine. Isolated AARS (Fielding type I) on pmCT is usually a normal finding associated with ipsilateral head rotation.
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Articulación Atlantoaxoidea/diagnóstico por imagen , Articulación Atlantoaxoidea/lesiones , Patologia Forense , Luxaciones Articulares/diagnóstico por imagen , Adolescente , Adulto , Anciano , Anciano de 80 o más Años , Niño , Preescolar , Femenino , Cabeza , Humanos , Imagenología Tridimensional , Lactante , Masculino , Persona de Mediana Edad , Tomografía Computarizada Multidetector , Anomalía Torsional , Adulto JovenRESUMEN
Injuries caused by traffic accidents can be complex and extensive. Due to the highly dynamic course of actions, reconstructive questions may be challenging to investigators. Differentiation of a single collision from an overrun is a central question. We hypothesized that the existence of spine fractures such as spinous and transverse processus fractures may be helpful to distinguish both. The postmortem CT-data of pedestrian fatalities were analyzed in a retrospective manner. A group finally assessed as being overrun (n=13; 7 m, 6 f, 18-86 y, mean 65 y) and a control group being hit but not overrun (n=11; 7 m, 4 f, 31-89 y, mean 61 y) were compared. Secondarily, the CT results were compared to the localization of fractures detected in routine autopsy. Cases in the overrun group showed 1-31 fractures of processus (mean 14.6) and 9 cases presented with bilateral fractures of partly opposite transverse processus. In the control group there were 6 cases without any fractures and 5 cases showed 1-9 injuries (mean 1.7). There were no bilateral fractures of transverse processus in the control group. Autopsy only detected fractures of spinous processus in 4 cases from the overrun group. Bilateral fractures of transverse processus are a possible sign for an overrun. Unilateral fractures of the transverse processus are not specific. Post-mortem CT is more sensitive for the evaluation of vertebral processus than conventional autopsy.
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Accidentes de Tránsito , Fracturas de la Columna Vertebral/diagnóstico por imagen , Adolescente , Adulto , Anciano , Anciano de 80 o más Años , Estudios de Casos y Controles , Femenino , Patologia Forense , Humanos , Masculino , Persona de Mediana Edad , Estudios Retrospectivos , Tomografía Computarizada por Rayos X , Adulto JovenRESUMEN
Dental identification is the most valuable method to identify human remains in single cases with major postmortem alterations as well as in mass casualties because of its practicability and demanding reliability. Computed tomography (CT) has been investigated as a supportive tool for forensic identification and has proven to be valuable. It can also scan the dentition of a deceased within minutes. In the present study, we investigated currently used restorative materials using ultra-high-resolution dual-source CT and the extended CT scale for the purpose of a color-encoded, in scale, and artifact-free visualization in 3D volume rendering. In 122 human molars, 220 cavities with 2-, 3-, 4- and 5-mm diameter were prepared. With presently used filling materials (different composites, temporary filling materials, ceramic, and liner), these cavities were restored in six teeth for each material and cavity size (exception amalgam n = 1). The teeth were CT scanned and images reconstructed using an extended CT scale. Filling materials were analyzed in terms of resulting Hounsfield units (HU) and filling size representation within the images. Varying restorative materials showed distinctively differing radiopacities allowing for CT-data-based discrimination. Particularly, ceramic and composite fillings could be differentiated. The HU values were used to generate an updated volume-rendering preset for postmortem extended CT scale data of the dentition to easily visualize the position of restorations, the shape (in scale), and the material used which is color encoded in 3D. The results provide the scientific background for the application of 3D volume rendering to visualize the human dentition for forensic identification purposes.
Asunto(s)
Restauración Dental Permanente , Restauración Dental Provisional , Odontología Forense/métodos , Radiografía Dental/métodos , Tomografía Computarizada por Rayos X/métodos , Cerámica , Compómeros , Resinas Compuestas , Porcelana Dental , Recubrimientos Dentinarios , Cementos de Ionómero Vítreo , Humanos , Maleatos , Metilmetacrilatos , Diente Molar/diagnóstico por imagen , Cementos de Resina , Cemento de Óxido de Zinc-EugenolRESUMEN
OBJECTIVE: Besides DNA, dental radiographs play a major role in the identification of victims in mass casualties or in corpses with major postmortem alterations. Computed tomography (CT) is increasingly applied in forensic investigations and is used to scan the dentition of deceased persons within minutes. We investigated different restoration materials concerning their radiopacity in CT for dental identification purposes. METHODS: Extracted teeth with different filling materials (composite, amalgam, ceramic, temporary fillings) were CT scanned. Radiopacities of the filling materials were analyzed in extended CT scale images. RESULTS: Radiopacity values ranged from 6000-8500HU (temporary fillings), 4500-17000HU (composite fillings) and >30710HU (Amalgam and Gold). The values were used to define presets for a 3D colored volume rendering software. CONCLUSIONS: The effects of filling material caused streak artifacts could be distinctively reduced for the assessment of the dental status and a postprocessing algorithm was introduced that allows for 3D color encoded visualization and discrimination of different dental restorations based on postmortem CT data.
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Restauración Dental Permanente , Restauración Dental Provisional , Odontología Forense , Radiografía Dental , Tomografía Computarizada por Rayos X/métodos , Resinas Acrílicas , Algoritmos , Artefactos , Resinas Compuestas , Coronas , Amalgama Dental , Humanos , Imagenología Tridimensional , PoliuretanosRESUMEN
Following trauma, imaging of brain stem lesions is often inconclusive. In a man who suffered a lethal accident, postmortem MR diffusion tensor (DT) imaging of the brain and neuropathologic examination were performed. DT imaging showed a disorganization of fibers in the brain stem that was not found in 2 controls and corresponded to changes on neuropathologic correlation. Diffusion tensor imaging provides an insight into the organization of myelinated structures of the CNS, potentially allowing diagnosis of traumatic fiber tract rupture.
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Tronco Encefálico/lesiones , Tronco Encefálico/patología , Imagen de Difusión por Resonancia Magnética , Imagen de Difusión por Resonancia Magnética/métodos , Humanos , Procesamiento de Imagen Asistido por Computador , Masculino , Persona de Mediana EdadRESUMEN
Dental radiographs play the major role in the identification of victims in mass casualties besides DNA. Under circumstances such as those caused by the recent tsunami in Asia, it is nearly impossible to document the entire dentition using conventional x-rays as it would be too time consuming. Multislice computed tomography can be used to scan the dentition of a deceased within minutes, and the postprocessing software allows visualization of the data adapted to every possible antemortem x-ray for identification. We introduce the maximum intensity projection of cranial computed tomography data for the purpose of dental identification exemplarily in a case of a burned corpse. As transportable CT scanners already exist, these could be used to support the disaster victim identification teams in the field.
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Odontología Forense/métodos , Radiografía Dental/métodos , Cráneo/diagnóstico por imagen , Tomografía Computarizada por Rayos X , Quemaduras/patología , Humanos , Interpretación de Imagen Radiográfica Asistida por ComputadorRESUMEN
The rapid development of computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) led to the introduction and establishment in postmortem investigations. The objectives of this preliminary study were to describe the imaging appearances of the early postmortem changes of blood after cessation of the circulation, such as sedimentation, postmortem clotting, and internal livores, and to give a few first suggestions on how to differentiate them from other forensic findings. In the Virtopsy project, 95 human corpses underwent postmortem imaging by CT and MRI prior to traditional autopsy and therefore 44 cases have been investigated in this study. Postmortem alterations as well as the forensic relevant findings of the blood, such as internal or subcutaneous bleedings, are presented on the basis of their imaging appearances in multislice CT and MRI.