Into the decomposed body-forensic digital autopsy using multislice-computed tomography.

M J Thali; K Yen; W Schweitzer; P Vock; C Ozdoba; R Dirnhofer

doi:10.1016/s0379-0738(03)00137-3

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Into the decomposed body-forensic digital autopsy using multislice-computed tomography.

M J Thali·K Yen·W Schweitzer·P Vock·C Ozdoba·R Dirnhofer

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Abstract

It is impossible to obtain a representative anatomical documentation of an entire body using classical X-ray methods, they subsume three-dimensional bodies into a two-dimensional level. We used the novel multislice-computed tomography (MSCT) technique in order to evaluate a case of homicide with putrefaction of the corpse before performing a classical forensic autopsy. This non-invasive method showed gaseous distension of the decomposing organs and tissues in detail as well as a complex fracture of the calvarium. MSCT also proved useful in screening for foreign matter in decomposing bodies, and full-body scanning took only a few minutes. In conclusion, we believe postmortem MSCT imaging is an excellent vizualisation tool with great potential for forensic documentation and evaluation of decomposed bodies.

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Autopsy Forensic Medicine Gases Homicide Humans Image Interpretation, Computer-Assisted Image Processing, Computer-Assisted Imaging, Three-Dimensional Postmortem Changes Skull Fractures Tomography, X-Ray Computed Journal Article Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

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M J Thali, K Yen, W Schweitzer, P Vock, C Ozdoba, R Dirnhofer. 2003-07-08. Into the decomposed body-forensic digital autopsy using multislice-computed tomography.. https://doi.org/10.1016/s0379-0738(03)00137-3

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