Background:Diagnosis of fatal hypothermia is challenging by autopsy approach alone.Aims and Objectives:To explore the features of fatal hypothermia on postmortem computed tomography(PMCT)and study their diagnostic val...Background:Diagnosis of fatal hypothermia is challenging by autopsy approach alone.Aims and Objectives:To explore the features of fatal hypothermia on postmortem computed tomography(PMCT)and study their diagnostic value in such cases.Materials and Methods:A retrospective study was conducted on the imaging data of three cases of low-temperature death.The study compared the images of lung tissue in the control group and used statistical tools to analyze typical changes associated with low-temperature death.The potential applications of cadaveric imaging in these cases were also discussed.Results:The typical postmortem imaging manifestations of death from hypothermia include increased volume of bilateral lung tissue,decreased density of bilateral lung tissue,and absence of pulmonary hypostasis.By comparison,it has been proven that PMCT can quickly detect typical changes in postmortem imaging of death from hypothermia.After applying PMCT,combined with the results of postmortem imaging,physical and chemical,and the environmental condition of the scene,in the absence of individual deaths because of other reasons,it can be determined that the individual died from hypothermia.Conclusions:The case of the death from hypothermia is a tough issue in forensic pathology examination.Through this review,it was found that the death from hypothermia cases have typical postmortem imaging.After combining the case,on-site investigation,and toxicology testing,we found the PMCT can solve the case of the death from hypothermia.展开更多
In the past 2 decades,modern radiological methods,such as multiple detector computed tomography (MDCT),MDCT-angiography,and cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)were introduced into postmortem practice for investig...In the past 2 decades,modern radiological methods,such as multiple detector computed tomography (MDCT),MDCT-angiography,and cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)were introduced into postmortem practice for investigation of sudden death (SD),including cases of sudden cardiac death (SCD).In forensic cases,the underlying cause of SD is most frequently cardiovascular with coronary atherosclerotic disease as the leading cause.There are many controversies about the role of postmortem imaging in establishing the cause of death and especially the value of minimally invasive autopsy techniques.This paper discusses the state of the art for postmortem radiological evaluation of the heart compared to classical postmortem examination,especially in cases of SCD.In SCD cases,postmortem CT is helpful to estimate the heart size and to visualize haemopericardium and calcified plaques and valves,as well as to identify and locate cardiovascular devices.Angiographic methods are useful to provide a detailed view of the coronary arteries and to analyse them,especially regarding the extent and location of stenosis and obstruction.In postsurgical cases,it allows verification and documentation of the patency of stents and bypass grafts before opening the body.Postmortem MRI is used to investigate soft tissues such as the myocardium,but images are susceptible to postmortem changes and further work is necessary to increase the understanding of these radiological aspects,especially of the ischemic myocardium.In postsurgery cases,the value of postmortem imaging of the heart is reportedly for the diagnostic and documentation purposes.The implementation of new imaging methods into routine postmortem practice is challenging,as it requires not only an investment in equipment but,more importantly,investment in the expertise of interpreting the images.Once those requirements are implemented,however,they bring great advantages in investigating cases of SCD,as they allow documentation of the body,orientation of sampling for further analyses and gathering of other information that cannot be obtained by conventional autopsy such as a complete visualization of the vascular system using postmortem angiography.展开更多
Postmortem imaging(PMI)technology known as virtual autopsy or virtopsy is regarded as a useful method of noninvasive or minimally invasive autopsy in forensic practice.Postmortem computed tomography is applicable to t...Postmortem imaging(PMI)technology known as virtual autopsy or virtopsy is regarded as a useful method of noninvasive or minimally invasive autopsy in forensic practice.Postmortem computed tomography is applicable to traumatic investigation,acute hemorrhage,pulmonary parenchyma disease,calcification(calculus,atherosclerosis),and gas accumulation.Postmortem magnetic resonance(PMMR)has been proven to have advantages in soft tissue identification.Cardiac death is one of the keys and difficult points in forensic practice.With the introduction and development of PMCT angiography and PMMR,it was proved to be a very promising tool in the investigation of cardiac death,including vascular cavities and ischemic myocardium.This article reviewed the applications of the latest PMI and its related technologies in forensic cardiac pathology,including advantages,limitations,and development prospects.展开更多
Background:As traditional autopsy rates decline,the importance of forensic imaging,particularly postmortem computed tomography(PMCT),grows for non-invasive cause of death determination and evidence collection in legal...Background:As traditional autopsy rates decline,the importance of forensic imaging,particularly postmortem computed tomography(PMCT),grows for non-invasive cause of death determination and evidence collection in legal investigations,with unique considerations required for frozen corpses due to the lack of systematic imaging characteristic studies.Aims and Objectives:This study aims to fill the gap in current knowledge by systematically analyzing the PMCT imaging characteristics of frozen corpses.Materials and Methods:This study utilized postmortem computed tomography(PMCT)and postmortem computed tomography angiography(PMCTA)to examine tissue changes during the freezing and thawing process in a total of 61 corpses.Results:The results demonstrated that imaging changes in the brain were most pronounced during freezing and thawing,with a clear correlation to the duration of freezing/thawing and the position of the corpses.Typical ice crystal artifacts were observed in body fluids after freezing,while thawing led to a marked increase and redistribution of internal gas.Serial angiographic studies revealed"pseudo-brain hemorrhage"in the brainstem and cerebellum in several cases due to incomplete thawing and transport.Conclusion:This study provides a comprehensive analysis of the CT imaging characteristics of frozen corpses,elucidating the imaging features during the freezing and thawing processes.展开更多
The role of computed tomography(CT)images in forensic identification has been widely recognized.Such images can provide an important basis for identification of the cause of death in complicated and difficult cases,in...The role of computed tomography(CT)images in forensic identification has been widely recognized.Such images can provide an important basis for identification of the cause of death in complicated and difficult cases,including falls from a height,drowning,explosion and gunshot cases,traffic accidents,and sudden death.However,few reports have focused on the application of CT images in cases of death caused by sharp object injuries.Therefore,the CT images and autopsy findings were compared in a case of death caused by sharp object injuries to the chest and abdomen,and the importance of CT images in cases of death from common sharp object injuries is herein discussed.展开更多
Background:This study evaluates the noninvasive virtual autopsy(virtopsy),which uses imaging technologies like computed tomography(CT)and magnetic resonance imaging to examine deceased internal structures,as an altern...Background:This study evaluates the noninvasive virtual autopsy(virtopsy),which uses imaging technologies like computed tomography(CT)and magnetic resonance imaging to examine deceased internal structures,as an alternative to traditional autopsies due to its less invasive nature and greater family acceptance.Aims and Objectives:The aim was to assess virtopsy’s effectiveness by comparing it with traditional autopsies in 322 cases from the Academy of Forensic Science in China over a decade,focusing on various anatomical regions and tissues.Materials and Methods:Postmortem computed tomography(PMCT)and PMCT angiography(PMCTA)were performed on 204 cadavers before traditional autopsies,with the agreement between virtopsy and autopsy findings assessed using Cohen kappa values.Results:Virtopsy showed higher sensitivity in detecting fractures,particularly in hard-to-access bones,but was less sensitive to rib fractures.Autopsy was more effective for intracranial injuries and organ pathologies,while PMCTA excelled at revealing vascular lesions and injuries.Conclusion:Virtopsy is effective for certain tissues and organs,serving as an auxiliary and guiding tool in traditional autopsies,thus enhancing forensic diagnosis and case resolution.展开更多
Although represents traditional and classical examination in forensic medicine,nowadays,autopsy,sometimes,is still rejected or not tolerated for its damage to the corpse.Virtopsy offers a noninvasive investigation app...Although represents traditional and classical examination in forensic medicine,nowadays,autopsy,sometimes,is still rejected or not tolerated for its damage to the corpse.Virtopsy offers a noninvasive investigation approach and can also reflect fracture,soft-tissue injury,wound track,and organ trauma objectively and accurately.In addition,virtual autopsies can be used as a complementary tool for areas that are difficult or complex to dissect;in certain cases,where the destruction of a body is prohibited,virtual autopsies provide an alternative to traditional autopsies as an examination method.The virtual autopsy can scan and record a body from head to toe in a short,quick operation,which greatly improves the efficiency of forensic identification.On the other hand,the virtual autopsy is permanently stored through DICOM data and can be subject to a variety of postprocessing operations.Virtual autopsy provides two-dimensional and three-dimensional postprocessing techniques,combining surface and in vivo information with geometrically realistic records,and even combining with finite elements for computer-simulated dynamic simulation studies.Thus,virtopsy can provide visual and powerful evidence for forensic pathological practice.This article mainly synthesizes the latest literature and reviews the application of virtopsy in forensic trauma identification,mechanical asphyxia,drowning,hypothermia and hyperthermia,disease diagnosis,as well as a new research direction of finite element method applied in trauma investigation.展开更多
To compare“normal”craniocerebral computed tomography(CT)of deceased and living individuals.Nineteen parameters of craniocerebral CT scans of 50 deceased and 50 living individuals that met specific filtering criteria...To compare“normal”craniocerebral computed tomography(CT)of deceased and living individuals.Nineteen parameters of craniocerebral CT scans of 50 deceased and 50 living individuals that met specific filtering criteria were measured separately:The intensity(CT value)ratio of gray matter to white matter(GM/WM),maximum and minimum length of frontal horn of ventricle,transverse diameter of cerebral parenchyma,length of choroid plexus,maximum external diameter of body of lateral ventricle,maximum internal transverse diameter of cranium,length of cerebral longitudinal fissure,length between two calvarium,transverse and longitudinal diameter of the third and fourth ventricle,length of the cerebral longitudinal fissure,Hackman value,ventricular index(D/A),index of the somatic part of lateral ventricle(F/E),lateral ventricular body index(G/E),frontal horn index(G/A),and ventriculocranial ratio(VCR).The values of these 19 parameters for the deceased and living individuals were performed using statistical methods.There were significant statistic differences between deceased and living individuals in terms of eight craniocerebral CT parameters,including GM/WM,D/A,transverse diameter of the fourth ventricle,and length of the cerebral longitudinal fissure.The craniocerebral CT findings differ between deceased and living individuals.Knowledge of the normal postmortem craniocerebral CT parameters is key to correct postmortem craniocerebral radiopathological diagnosis.展开更多
Virtopsy technology is noninvasive,noncontact,and can find potential lesions.For these reasons,it has broad application prospects in forensic pathology and forensic clinical science.The present article reviews the bri...Virtopsy technology is noninvasive,noncontact,and can find potential lesions.For these reasons,it has broad application prospects in forensic pathology and forensic clinical science.The present article reviews the brief history of virtopsy development,introduces the application of virtopsy in various fields of forensic medicine,summarizes the current situation regarding virtopsy in China,and puts forward suggestions for strengthening planning,setting standards,strengthening assistance,and promoting scientific research.展开更多
文摘Background:Diagnosis of fatal hypothermia is challenging by autopsy approach alone.Aims and Objectives:To explore the features of fatal hypothermia on postmortem computed tomography(PMCT)and study their diagnostic value in such cases.Materials and Methods:A retrospective study was conducted on the imaging data of three cases of low-temperature death.The study compared the images of lung tissue in the control group and used statistical tools to analyze typical changes associated with low-temperature death.The potential applications of cadaveric imaging in these cases were also discussed.Results:The typical postmortem imaging manifestations of death from hypothermia include increased volume of bilateral lung tissue,decreased density of bilateral lung tissue,and absence of pulmonary hypostasis.By comparison,it has been proven that PMCT can quickly detect typical changes in postmortem imaging of death from hypothermia.After applying PMCT,combined with the results of postmortem imaging,physical and chemical,and the environmental condition of the scene,in the absence of individual deaths because of other reasons,it can be determined that the individual died from hypothermia.Conclusions:The case of the death from hypothermia is a tough issue in forensic pathology examination.Through this review,it was found that the death from hypothermia cases have typical postmortem imaging.After combining the case,on-site investigation,and toxicology testing,we found the PMCT can solve the case of the death from hypothermia.
文摘In the past 2 decades,modern radiological methods,such as multiple detector computed tomography (MDCT),MDCT-angiography,and cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)were introduced into postmortem practice for investigation of sudden death (SD),including cases of sudden cardiac death (SCD).In forensic cases,the underlying cause of SD is most frequently cardiovascular with coronary atherosclerotic disease as the leading cause.There are many controversies about the role of postmortem imaging in establishing the cause of death and especially the value of minimally invasive autopsy techniques.This paper discusses the state of the art for postmortem radiological evaluation of the heart compared to classical postmortem examination,especially in cases of SCD.In SCD cases,postmortem CT is helpful to estimate the heart size and to visualize haemopericardium and calcified plaques and valves,as well as to identify and locate cardiovascular devices.Angiographic methods are useful to provide a detailed view of the coronary arteries and to analyse them,especially regarding the extent and location of stenosis and obstruction.In postsurgical cases,it allows verification and documentation of the patency of stents and bypass grafts before opening the body.Postmortem MRI is used to investigate soft tissues such as the myocardium,but images are susceptible to postmortem changes and further work is necessary to increase the understanding of these radiological aspects,especially of the ischemic myocardium.In postsurgery cases,the value of postmortem imaging of the heart is reportedly for the diagnostic and documentation purposes.The implementation of new imaging methods into routine postmortem practice is challenging,as it requires not only an investment in equipment but,more importantly,investment in the expertise of interpreting the images.Once those requirements are implemented,however,they bring great advantages in investigating cases of SCD,as they allow documentation of the body,orientation of sampling for further analyses and gathering of other information that cannot be obtained by conventional autopsy such as a complete visualization of the vascular system using postmortem angiography.
基金By grants from the National Key Research and Development Program of China(no.2022YFC3302002)the Council of National Science Foundation of China(grant number 82171872)+4 种基金the Council of National Science Foundation of Shanghai(grant number 21ZR1464600)Key Laboratory of judicial expertise of Ministry of Justice and Shanghai Key Laboratory of Forensic Medicine(grant number 21DZ2270800)Shanghai Forensic Service Platform(grant number 19DZ2292700)Central Research Institute Public Project(grant numbers2020Z‑4,2021G‑4)Shanghai Key Laboratory of Forensic Medicine,Key Lab of Forensic Science,Ministry of Justice(grant number KF202120).
文摘Postmortem imaging(PMI)technology known as virtual autopsy or virtopsy is regarded as a useful method of noninvasive or minimally invasive autopsy in forensic practice.Postmortem computed tomography is applicable to traumatic investigation,acute hemorrhage,pulmonary parenchyma disease,calcification(calculus,atherosclerosis),and gas accumulation.Postmortem magnetic resonance(PMMR)has been proven to have advantages in soft tissue identification.Cardiac death is one of the keys and difficult points in forensic practice.With the introduction and development of PMCT angiography and PMMR,it was proved to be a very promising tool in the investigation of cardiac death,including vascular cavities and ischemic myocardium.This article reviewed the applications of the latest PMI and its related technologies in forensic cardiac pathology,including advantages,limitations,and development prospects.
文摘Background:As traditional autopsy rates decline,the importance of forensic imaging,particularly postmortem computed tomography(PMCT),grows for non-invasive cause of death determination and evidence collection in legal investigations,with unique considerations required for frozen corpses due to the lack of systematic imaging characteristic studies.Aims and Objectives:This study aims to fill the gap in current knowledge by systematically analyzing the PMCT imaging characteristics of frozen corpses.Materials and Methods:This study utilized postmortem computed tomography(PMCT)and postmortem computed tomography angiography(PMCTA)to examine tissue changes during the freezing and thawing process in a total of 61 corpses.Results:The results demonstrated that imaging changes in the brain were most pronounced during freezing and thawing,with a clear correlation to the duration of freezing/thawing and the position of the corpses.Typical ice crystal artifacts were observed in body fluids after freezing,while thawing led to a marked increase and redistribution of internal gas.Serial angiographic studies revealed"pseudo-brain hemorrhage"in the brainstem and cerebellum in several cases due to incomplete thawing and transport.Conclusion:This study provides a comprehensive analysis of the CT imaging characteristics of frozen corpses,elucidating the imaging features during the freezing and thawing processes.
基金This work was supported by the Research Topic "Research on the Injury Mechanism of Complex Craniocerebral Injuries and the Comprehensive Diagnosis Methods of Forensic Medicine"(2018YFC0807203)under Project"Research on the Basic Theory of Forensic Medicine and Trace Inspection Science" of 2018 National Key R&D Program of China and was a Funded Project of Fundamental Research Funds for the Central Scientific Research Institutes(2016JB041).
文摘The role of computed tomography(CT)images in forensic identification has been widely recognized.Such images can provide an important basis for identification of the cause of death in complicated and difficult cases,including falls from a height,drowning,explosion and gunshot cases,traffic accidents,and sudden death.However,few reports have focused on the application of CT images in cases of death caused by sharp object injuries.Therefore,the CT images and autopsy findings were compared in a case of death caused by sharp object injuries to the chest and abdomen,and the importance of CT images in cases of death from common sharp object injuries is herein discussed.
基金supported by grants from the Central Research Institute Public Project(GY2024D-1,GY2024Z-1)the National Natural Science Foundation of China(82171872)+5 种基金Shanghai Yangfan Special Programme(23YF1448700)Shanghai Key Laboratory of Forensic Medicine(21DZ2270800)Shanghai Forensic Service Platform,Key Laboratory of Forensic Science,Ministry of Justice,the Project of Shanghai Association of Forensic Science(SHSFJD2023-008)the 2023 Open Foundation of Key Laboratory of Forensic Pathology,Ministry of Public Security,P.R.China(GAFYBL202308)Guizhou"Hundred"High-level Innovative Talent Project,Qian Science Platform Talents(2020)6012-2Guizhou Scientific Support Project,Qian Science Support(2023)General 452.
文摘Background:This study evaluates the noninvasive virtual autopsy(virtopsy),which uses imaging technologies like computed tomography(CT)and magnetic resonance imaging to examine deceased internal structures,as an alternative to traditional autopsies due to its less invasive nature and greater family acceptance.Aims and Objectives:The aim was to assess virtopsy’s effectiveness by comparing it with traditional autopsies in 322 cases from the Academy of Forensic Science in China over a decade,focusing on various anatomical regions and tissues.Materials and Methods:Postmortem computed tomography(PMCT)and PMCT angiography(PMCTA)were performed on 204 cadavers before traditional autopsies,with the agreement between virtopsy and autopsy findings assessed using Cohen kappa values.Results:Virtopsy showed higher sensitivity in detecting fractures,particularly in hard-to-access bones,but was less sensitive to rib fractures.Autopsy was more effective for intracranial injuries and organ pathologies,while PMCTA excelled at revealing vascular lesions and injuries.Conclusion:Virtopsy is effective for certain tissues and organs,serving as an auxiliary and guiding tool in traditional autopsies,thus enhancing forensic diagnosis and case resolution.
基金supported by grants from the Central Research Institute Public Project(GY2024D-1)the National Natural Science Foundation of China(82171872)+5 种基金Shanghai Yangfan Special Programme(23YF1448700)Shanghai Key Laboratory of Forensic Medicine(21DZ2270800)Shanghai Forensic Service Platform,Key Laboratory of Forensic Science,Ministry of Justice,the Project of Shanghai Association of Forensic Science(SHSFJD2023-008)the 2023 Open Foundation of Key Laboratory of Forensic Pathology,Ministry of Public Security,P.R.China(GAFYBL202308)Guizhou"Hundred"High-level Innovative Talent Project,Qian Science Platform Talents[2020]6012-2Guizhou Scientific Support Project,Qian Science Support[2023]General 452.
文摘Although represents traditional and classical examination in forensic medicine,nowadays,autopsy,sometimes,is still rejected or not tolerated for its damage to the corpse.Virtopsy offers a noninvasive investigation approach and can also reflect fracture,soft-tissue injury,wound track,and organ trauma objectively and accurately.In addition,virtual autopsies can be used as a complementary tool for areas that are difficult or complex to dissect;in certain cases,where the destruction of a body is prohibited,virtual autopsies provide an alternative to traditional autopsies as an examination method.The virtual autopsy can scan and record a body from head to toe in a short,quick operation,which greatly improves the efficiency of forensic identification.On the other hand,the virtual autopsy is permanently stored through DICOM data and can be subject to a variety of postprocessing operations.Virtual autopsy provides two-dimensional and three-dimensional postprocessing techniques,combining surface and in vivo information with geometrically realistic records,and even combining with finite elements for computer-simulated dynamic simulation studies.Thus,virtopsy can provide visual and powerful evidence for forensic pathological practice.This article mainly synthesizes the latest literature and reviews the application of virtopsy in forensic trauma identification,mechanical asphyxia,drowning,hypothermia and hyperthermia,disease diagnosis,as well as a new research direction of finite element method applied in trauma investigation.
基金“10-10 Plan”forensic cadaver virtopsy technology research key project fund of the Ministry of Public Security(2019SSGG0402)China Scholarship Council(201707070113).
文摘To compare“normal”craniocerebral computed tomography(CT)of deceased and living individuals.Nineteen parameters of craniocerebral CT scans of 50 deceased and 50 living individuals that met specific filtering criteria were measured separately:The intensity(CT value)ratio of gray matter to white matter(GM/WM),maximum and minimum length of frontal horn of ventricle,transverse diameter of cerebral parenchyma,length of choroid plexus,maximum external diameter of body of lateral ventricle,maximum internal transverse diameter of cranium,length of cerebral longitudinal fissure,length between two calvarium,transverse and longitudinal diameter of the third and fourth ventricle,length of the cerebral longitudinal fissure,Hackman value,ventricular index(D/A),index of the somatic part of lateral ventricle(F/E),lateral ventricular body index(G/E),frontal horn index(G/A),and ventriculocranial ratio(VCR).The values of these 19 parameters for the deceased and living individuals were performed using statistical methods.There were significant statistic differences between deceased and living individuals in terms of eight craniocerebral CT parameters,including GM/WM,D/A,transverse diameter of the fourth ventricle,and length of the cerebral longitudinal fissure.The craniocerebral CT findings differ between deceased and living individuals.Knowledge of the normal postmortem craniocerebral CT parameters is key to correct postmortem craniocerebral radiopathological diagnosis.
基金Thisstudy was financially supported by National Social Science Fund Key Research Project“Research on Ethical Thinking and Legal Regulation of Medical Behavior in China from the Perspective of Doctor-Patient Relationship”(15AZD065)Key Consulting Research Project of the Chinese Academy of Engineering(2019-XZ-31).
文摘Virtopsy technology is noninvasive,noncontact,and can find potential lesions.For these reasons,it has broad application prospects in forensic pathology and forensic clinical science.The present article reviews the brief history of virtopsy development,introduces the application of virtopsy in various fields of forensic medicine,summarizes the current situation regarding virtopsy in China,and puts forward suggestions for strengthening planning,setting standards,strengthening assistance,and promoting scientific research.
