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Open Access 01-07-2020 | Computed Tomography | Original Article

Using micro-computed tomography to examine the larynx in cases of suspected strangulation—a comparison of case findings and control images

Authors: Waltraud Baier, Brian A. Burnett, Mark Payne, Jason M. Warnett, Mark A. Williams

Published in: International Journal of Legal Medicine | Issue 4/2020

Abstract

The examination of strangulation is one of the most challenging causes of death diagnoses encountered in forensic pathology. The injuries are often subtle and difficult to detect, especially in cases that lack superficial marks. Fractures of the laryngeal skeleton are commonly regarded as evidence of strangulation but these can be too subtle to be detected during autopsy. Micro-CT is a novel imaging technique that achieves a spatial resolution 1 μm or less which lends itself to the examination of small and delicate structures such as the larynx. However, there is little information to date regarding the appearance of the larynx at this scale, thus complicating the interpretation of the micro-CT images. This study therefore uses micro-CT to examine ten larynges from strangulation deaths and to compare them to nineteen samples from donor individuals in order to distinguish between naturally occurring features and actual trauma. It was found that there are several features which mimic damage in the donor group. Using associated case information, initial trends and patterns of different strangulation methods were established.

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Title: Using micro-computed tomography to examine the larynx in cases of suspected strangulation—a comparison of case findings and control images
Authors: Waltraud Baier
Brian A. Burnett
Mark Payne
Jason M. Warnett
Mark A. Williams
Publication date: 01-07-2020
Publisher: Springer Berlin Heidelberg
Keywords: Computed Tomography
Computed Tomography
Published in: International Journal of Legal Medicine / Issue 4/2020
Print ISSN: 0937-9827
Electronic ISSN: 1437-1596
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00414-019-02194-y

At a glance: The STEP trials

Springer Medicine

Using micro-computed tomography to examine the larynx in cases of suspected strangulation—a comparison of case findings and control images

Abstract

At a glance: The STEP trials

Springer Medicine

Abstract

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