Korean Journal of Radiology

The Korean Society of Radiology (대한영상의학회)
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Utility of Postmortem Autopsy via Whole-Body Imaging: Initial Observations Comparing MDCT and 3.0T MRI Findings with Autopsy Findings

  • Cha, Jang-Gyu (Department of Radiology, Soonchunhyang University Bucheon Hospital) ;
  • Kim, Dong-Hun (Department of Radiology, Soonchunhyang University Bucheon Hospital) ;
  • Kim, Dae-Ho (Department of Radiology, Konyang University Hospital) ;
  • Paik, Sang-Hyun (Department of Radiology, Soonchunhyang University Bucheon Hospital) ;
  • Park, Jai-Soung (Department of Radiology, Soonchunhyang University Bucheon Hospital) ;
  • Park, Seong-Jin (Department of Radiology, Soonchunhyang University Bucheon Hospital) ;
  • Lee, Hae-Kyung (Department of Radiology, Soonchunhyang University Bucheon Hospital) ;
  • Hong, Hyun-Sook (Department of Radiology, Soonchunhyang University Bucheon Hospital) ;
  • Choi, Duek-Lin (Department of Radiology, Soonchunhyang University Hospital) ;
  • Yang, Kyung-Moo (Department of Forensic Medicine, National Institute of Scientific Investigation) ;
  • Chung, Nak-Eun (Department of Forensic Medicine, National Institute of Scientific Investigation) ;
  • Lee, Bong-Woo (Department of Forensic Medicine, National Institute of Scientific Investigation) ;
  • Seo, Joong-Seok (Department of Forensic Medicine, National Institute of Scientific Investigation)
  • Received : 2010.01.19
  • Accepted : 2010.04.05
  • Published : 2010.08.01
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Abstract

Objective: We prospectively compared whole-body multidetector computed tomography (MDCT) and 3.0T magnetic resonance (MR) images with autopsy findings. Materials and Methods: Five cadavers were subjected to whole-body, 16-channel MDCT and 3.0T MR imaging within two hours before an autopsy. A radiologist classified the MDCT and 3.0T MRI findings into major and minor findings, which were compared with autopsy findings. Results: Most of the imaging findings, pertaining to head and neck, heart and vascular, chest, abdomen, spine, and musculoskeletal lesions, corresponded to autopsy findings. The causes of death that were determined on the bases of MDCT and 3.0T MRI findings were consistent with the autopsy findings in four of five cases. CT was useful in diagnosing fatal hemorrhage and pneumothorax, as well as determining the shapes and characteristics of the fractures and the direction of external force. MRI was effective in evaluating and tracing the route of a metallic object, soft tissue lesions, chronicity of hemorrhage, and bone bruises. Conclusion: A postmortem MDCT combined with MRI is a potentially powerful tool, providing noninvasive and objective measurements for forensic investigations.

Keywords

Acknowledgement

Supported by : NISI

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