Use of postmortem computed tomography to reveal an intraoral gunshot injuries in a charred body

An integrated teaching method of gross anatomy and computed tomography radiology

“…Gunma University contracts with prospective donors for use of their postmortem CT data for education. Cadavers with such contracts were scanned using Toshiba ® Asterion single‐slice (anatomy classes of 2009 and 2010) or 4‐slice CT system (2010 and later) CT scanners (Toshiba, Tokyo, Japan) at the Postmortem Imaging Facility of Gunma University (Awata and Endo, ; Sano et al, ). Most cadavers were scanned within one day after death, but some were stored for up to three days at 4°C when the facility was not available.…”

Use of postmortem computed tomography to reveal acute subdural hematoma in a severely decomposed body with advanced skeletonization

“…It has been questioned whether PMCT imaging can be regarded as a valid diagnostic procedure, and can offer useful guidance for forensic pathologists during detailed examination of cadavers in a poor state of preservation. Recently, we reported the application of PMCT to a severely charred body, revealing an intraoral gunshot wound and severe brain damage, and suggesting that death had been due to suicide [4]. In the present case, PMCT was able to demonstrate the presence of a subdual hematoma, even though the remains had been partially skeletonized due to postmortem scavenging by animals, thus allowing the classical autopsy to focus on specific areas and features.…”

“…In such cases, it is still questionable whether PMCT imaging can be considered a superior tool for forensic investigation in terms of its ability to facilitate diagnostic conclusions and to act as a guide to forensic pathologists conducting detailed examinations. Recently, we have reported a case involving a severely charred body in which an intraoral gunshot injury was revealed by PMCT [4]. Here we report a case involving a partially skeletonized body in which PMCT demonstrated a potentially fatal subdual hematoma, which was subsequently confirmed by classical autopsy methods.…”

Brain fragility can be estimated by its putrefactive signs on postmortem computed tomography

“…Imaging methods such as PMCT have revolutionized not only forensic diagnosis but also the documentation of evidence that can be applicable in court proceedings [3]. Previously, we have reported cases in which PMCT was valid for providing clues as to the causes of death in bodies that were severely decomposed [4][5][6]. In general, PMCT of the brain shows sequential changes such as blurring or loss of gray-white matter distinction, effacement of cerebral sulci and ventricles, intravascular gas production, cerebral settling or cerebral liquefaction [7].…”