Post-mortem imaging in forensic investigations: current utility, limitations, and ongoing developments

Grabherr, Silke; Baumann, Pia; Minoiu, Costin; Fahrni, Stella; Mangin, Patrice

doi:10.2147/rrfms.s93974

Cited by 27 publications

(19 citation statements)

References 74 publications

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“…Access to such technology may vary depending on geographic regions as well. While postmortem virtual autopsies utilizing CT scans (sometimes referred to as virtopsies or postmortem CTs) are relatively common among European countries [ 73 ], their incorporation in the United States is lagging. In fact, a relatively recent article from 2018 indicated that only four U.S. agencies have CT equipment available for regular use [ 74 ].…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

The Effects of Cranial Orientation on Forensic Frontal Sinus Identification as Assessed by Outline Analyses

Butaric

Richman

Garvin

2022

Biology

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The utility of frontal sinuses for personal identification is widely recognized, but potential factors affecting its reliability remain uncertain. Deviations in cranial position between antemortem and postmortem radiographs may affect sinus appearance. This study investigates how slight deviations in orientations affect sinus size and outline shape and potentially impact identification. Frontal sinus models were created from CT scans of 21 individuals and digitally oriented to represent three clinically relevant radiographic views. From each standard view, model orientations were deviated at 5° intervals in horizontal, vertical, and diagonal (e.g., left-up) directions (27 orientations per individual). For each orientation, sinus dimensions were obtained, and outline shape was assessed by elliptical Fourier analyses and principal component (PC) analyses. Wilcoxon sign rank tests indicated that sinus breadth remained relatively stable (p > 0.05), while sinus height was significantly affected with vertical deviations (p < 0.006). Mann–Whitney U tests on Euclidean distances from the PC scores indicated consistently lower intra- versus inter-individual distances (p < 0.05). Two of the three orientations maintained perfect (100%) outline identification matches, while the third had a 98% match rate. Smaller and/or discontinuous sinuses were most problematic, and although match rates are high, practitioners should be aware of possible alterations in sinus variables when conducting frontal sinus identifications.

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

The Effects of Cranial Orientation on Forensic Frontal Sinus Identification as Assessed by Outline Analyses

Butaric

Richman

Garvin

2022

Biology

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“…CT acquisition was performed during operation of the pump. Currently, a multi-phase procedure is commonly used -multi-phase post mortem computed tomography angiography (MPCT), which includes a native CT scan prior to administration of the contrast agent, followed by contrast imaging in three angiographic phases: arterial, venous and dynamic (artificial circulation) (8). Comparing the data obtained in this manner with the results of medico-legal autopsies of 50 corpses, Chevallier et al (4) reported an increase in the diagnostic value of MPMCTA as compared to native CT from 65% to 80.9%, while conventional autopsies identified 83.1% of pathological lesions.…”

Section: Characterization Of Post-mortem Imagingmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…1). Nevertheless, their combined use unquestionably increases the effectiveness of autopsy diagnostics (8).…”

Section: Fig 3 Ct Scan Of Head Of a Dog Shot With A Shotgun Bulletmentioning

confidence: 99%

Imaging techniques as a method of sectional examination in forensic veterinary medicine

Grela¹,

Listos²,

Gryzińska³

et al. 2018

Medycyna Weterynaryjna

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An autopsy or necropsy can be performed only once; therefore, its proper execution is of fundamental importance in explaining the cause of death. The protocol with photographic documentation is an integral part of the autopsy, but sometimes it does not fully reflect the state of the body and the pathological changes observed at each stage of the procedure. These shortcomings are addressed by modern imaging techniques, which are increasingly used during the autopsy of human bodies, but quite rarely during necropsy of animals. Non-invasive techniques (CT, MRI, or photogrammetry with laser body scanning), or in some cases also minimally invasive techniques (biopsy), enable comprehensive analysis of the carcass, but Virtopsy is only a supplement to the classical autopsy, especially in veterinary forensic medicine..

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“…Before LiDAR, 3D documentation was time consuming and expensive [ 11 ]. Besides, usually it requires specific skills, for example, good photographic expertise or specific professional training, particularly in the case of CT 3D reconstruction [ 11 , 12 ]. Moreover, the equipment required for 3D documentation is not present in every facility (e.g., the 3D system “VirtoScan-on-Rails”, used by Kottner et al) [ 13 ].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

The Introduction of a New Diagnostic Tool in Forensic Pathology: LiDAR Sensor for 3D Autopsy Documentation

et al. 2022

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Autopsy is a complex and unrepeatable procedure. It is essential to have the possibility of reviewing the autoptic findings, especially when it is done for medico-legal purposes. Traditional photography is not always adequate to record forensic practice since two-dimensional images could lead to distortion and misinterpretation. Three-dimensional (3D) reconstructions of autoptic findings could be a new way to document the autopsy. Besides, nowadays, smartphones and tablets equipped with a LiDAR sensor make it extremely easy to elaborate a 3D model directly in the autopsy room. Herein, a quality and trustworthiness evaluation of 3D models obtained during ten autopsies is made comparing 3D models and conventional autopsy photographic records. Three-dimensional models were realistic and accurate and allowed precise measurements. The review of the autoptic report was facilitated by the 3D model. Conclusions: The LiDAR sensor and 3D models have been demonstrated to be a valid tool to introduce some kind of reproducibility into the autoptic practice.

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Post-mortem imaging in forensic investigations: current utility, limitations, and ongoing developments

Cited by 27 publications

References 74 publications

The Effects of Cranial Orientation on Forensic Frontal Sinus Identification as Assessed by Outline Analyses

The Effects of Cranial Orientation on Forensic Frontal Sinus Identification as Assessed by Outline Analyses

Imaging techniques as a method of sectional examination in forensic veterinary medicine

The Introduction of a New Diagnostic Tool in Forensic Pathology: LiDAR Sensor for 3D Autopsy Documentation

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