Published in:
01-12-2014 | Review
Imaging in forensic radiology: an illustrated guide for postmortem computed tomography technique and protocols
Authors:
Patricia M. Flach, Dominic Gascho, Wolf Schweitzer, Thomas D. Ruder, Nicole Berger, Steffen G. Ross, Michael J. Thali, Garyfalia Ampanozi
Published in:
Forensic Science, Medicine and Pathology
|
Issue 4/2014
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Abstract
Forensic radiology is a new subspecialty that has arisen worldwide in the field of forensic medicine. Postmortem computed tomography (PMCT) and, to a lesser extent, PMCT angiography (PMCTA), are established imaging methods that have replaced dated conventional X-ray images in morgues. However, these methods have not been standardized for postmortem imaging. Therefore, this article outlines the main approach for a recommended standard protocol for postmortem cross-sectional imaging that focuses on unenhanced PMCT and PMCTA. This review should facilitate the implementation of a high-quality protocol that enables standardized reporting in morgues, associated hospitals or private practices that perform forensic scans to provide the same quality that clinical scans provide in court.