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International Journal of Legal Medicine

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Open Access 01-03-2022 | Computed Tomography | Original Article

Effects of blood loss on organ attenuation on postmortem CT and organ weight at autopsy

Authors: Jakob Heimer, Vasiliki Chatzaraki, Wolf Schweitzer, Michael J. Thali, Thomas D. Ruder

Published in: International Journal of Legal Medicine | Issue 2/2022

Abstract

Background

Cases of external hemorrhage are difficult to recognize on postmortem computed tomography (PMCT).

Purpose

To investigate the effects of blood loss on CT attenuation of the spleen, liver, kidneys, and lungs on PMCT and to assess the relationship between blood loss and organ weight.

Methods

A total of 125 cases with blood loss were sex- and age-matched to 125 control cases without blood loss. Individual organ attenuation was measured on transverse CT images. Organ weights of the liver, spleen, kidneys, and lung were extracted from the autopsy protocols.

Results

Organ weight was significantly lower in cases with blood loss (lung 30%, spleen 28%, kidneys 14%, liver 18%) than in controls. CT attenuation of the lungs was significantly lower (30%) in cases with blood loss than in controls. CT attenuation of the spleen and kidneys did not significantly differ between cases and controls. CT attenuation of the liver was significantly higher (25%) in cases with blood loss than in controls.

Conclusion

Blood loss decreases organ weight and CT attenuation of the lungs but appears to have no significant effect on CT attenuation of the spleen and kidneys. The increased liver attenuation in cases with blood loss compared to controls was an unexpected finding and remains challenging to explain. One probable interpretation refers to different levels of hepatic glycogen; however, further work is warranted to substantiate this hypothesis.

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Title: Effects of blood loss on organ attenuation on postmortem CT and organ weight at autopsy
Authors: Jakob Heimer
Vasiliki Chatzaraki
Wolf Schweitzer
Michael J. Thali
Thomas D. Ruder
Publication date: 01-03-2022
Publisher: Springer Berlin Heidelberg
Keywords: Computed Tomography
Autopsy
Computed Tomography
Published in: International Journal of Legal Medicine / Issue 2/2022
Print ISSN: 0937-9827
Electronic ISSN: 1437-1596
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00414-021-02731-8

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Effects of blood loss on organ attenuation on postmortem CT and organ weight at autopsy

Abstract

Background

Purpose

Methods

Results

Conclusion

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Background

Purpose

Methods

Results

Conclusion

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Correction to: Effects of blood loss on organ attenuation on postmortem CT and organ weight at autopsy