Postmortem Imaging-Guided Biopsy as an Adjuvant to Minimally Invasive Autopsy With CT and Postmortem Angiography: A Feasibility Study

Bolliger, Stephan A.; Filograna, Laura; Spendlove, Danny; Thali, Michael J.; Dirnhofer, Stephan; Ross, Steffen

doi:10.2214/ajr.10.4600

Cited by 81 publications

(48 citation statements)

References 17 publications

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“…However, when there are no fatal findings or only non-specific findings on MDCT, postmortem MRI will be a useful option for postmortem evaluation. Recently, minimally invasive imaging techniques, such as postmortem angiography and postmortem biopsy, have been developed [6,18,20,22]. Postmortem CT angiography is able to provide information about the vascular system.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Because of advances in medical imaging technologies, postmortem multidetector computed tomography (MDCT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) have been introduced into forensic examination [3][4][5][6][7][8][9][10][11][12][13][14][15][16][17][18][19][20]. Some investigators have reported the utility of postmortem imaging for traumatic deaths.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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The effectiveness of postmortem multidetector computed tomography in the detection of fatal findings related to cause of non-traumatic death in the emergency department

et al. 2011

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

The effectiveness of postmortem multidetector computed tomography in the detection of fatal findings related to cause of non-traumatic death in the emergency department

et al. 2011

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“…R. Soc. B 370: 20140253 be taken and examined histologically [26]. Also, tissue and fluid samples can be collected for toxicological and microbiological examinations.…”

Section: (B) Magnetic Resonance Imagingmentioning

confidence: 99%

Imaging and virtual autopsy: looking back and forward

Bolliger

Thali

2015

Phil. Trans. R. Soc. B

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In order to create a three-dimensional (3D) documentation of findings which can be reassessed if necessary by other experts, the research project ‘Virtopsy®’ was launched in the late 1990s. This project combined autopsy results with forensic imaging in the form of computed tomography, magnetic resonance tomography and 3D surface scanning. The success of this project eventually succeeded in convincing the courts in Switzerland to accept these novel methods as evidence. As opposition towards autopsies has grown over the last decades, Virtopsy also strives to find and elaborate additional methods which can answer the main forensic questions without autopsy. These methods comprise post-mortem angiography for illustration of the vascular bed and image-guided tissue and fluid sampling for histological, toxicological and microbiological examinations. Based on the promising results, post-mortem imaging, especially with 3D surface scanning, has meanwhile also been applied to living victims of assault, who have suffered patterned injuries due to bites, blows with objects, etc. In our opinion, forensic imaging is an objective method which offers the possibility for a reassessment of the findings by other experts, even after burial or cremation of the corpse, or healing of the injuries in living victims, thus leading to a greater security in court.

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“…Imaging cannot compete with the external examination of a body [11], and although this can be performed by imaging [12] it rarely needs to outside specific circumstances. Furthermore toxicology and even histology via targeted biopsy can be routinely added to an imaging examination [13,14].…”

Section: Contextmentioning

confidence: 99%

How does post-mortem imaging compare to autopsy, is this a relevant question?

Morgan

Rutty

2016

Journal of Forensic Radiology and Imaging

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HighlightsEvidence of "efficacy" for a test does not imply it is effective in the real world Direct comparisons between autopsy and imaging may give misleading results Imaging is used in a wide variety of contexts, all with different questions The level of accuracy required of an imaging test depends on the context Research findings in one context may not be applicable in all contexts AbstractThe rapid development of imaging techniques used for the investigation of death invites the question "how does imaging compare with autopsy". This article is based on an invited talk given to the International Society of Forensic Radiology and Imaging in 2015 and attempts to show that this question cannot be answered, as it is in fact several questions depending on the circumstances of death. Review of the literature is fraught with difficulties due to the rapid evolution of technology, the varied circumstances of death investigation and the multiple possible post--mortem investigations that imaging can be compared with. The article focuses on the assessment of adult sudden natural death and suggests the questions that need to be answered.

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Postmortem Imaging-Guided Biopsy as an Adjuvant to Minimally Invasive Autopsy With CT and Postmortem Angiography: A Feasibility Study

Abstract: In light of increasing objections of the next of kin toward an autopsy and the necessity for medical examiners to assess the manner and cause of death, we think that the minimally invasive procedure described here may present a viable compromise in selected cases.

Cited by 81 publications

References 17 publications

The effectiveness of postmortem multidetector computed tomography in the detection of fatal findings related to cause of non-traumatic death in the emergency department

The effectiveness of postmortem multidetector computed tomography in the detection of fatal findings related to cause of non-traumatic death in the emergency department

Imaging and virtual autopsy: looking back and forward

How does post-mortem imaging compare to autopsy, is this a relevant question?

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