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Open Access 01-10-2009 | Forensic Medicine

The value of postmortem computed tomography as an alternative for autopsy in trauma victims: a systematic review

Authors: M. Scholing, T. P. Saltzherr, P. H. P. Fung Kon Jin, K. J. Ponsen, J. B. Reitsma, J. S. Lameris, J. C. Goslings

Published in: European Radiology | Issue 10/2009

Abstract

The aim of this study was to assess the role of postmortem computed tomography (PMCT) as an alternative for autopsy in determining the cause of death and the identification of specific injuries in trauma victims. A systematic review was performed by searching the EMBASE and MEDLINE databases. Articles were eligible if they reported both PMCT as well as autopsy findings and included more than one trauma victim. Two reviewers independently assessed the eligibility and quality of the articles. The outcomes were described in terms of the percentage agreement on causes of death and amount of injuries detected. The data extraction and analysis were performed together. Fifteen studies were included describing 244 victims. The median sample size was 13 (range 5–52). The percentage agreement on the cause of death between PMCT and autopsy varied between 46 and 100%. The overall amount of injuries detected on CT ranged from 53 to 100% compared with autopsy. Several studies suggested that PMCT was capable of identifying injuries not detected during normal autopsy. This systematic review provides inconsistent evidence as to whether PMCT is a reliable alternative for autopsy in trauma victims. PMCT has promising features in postmortem examination suggesting PMCT is a good alternative for a refused autopsy or a good adjunct to autopsy because it detects extra injuries overseen during autopsies. To examine the value of PMCT in trauma victims there is a need for well-designed and larger prospective studies.

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Title: The value of postmortem computed tomography as an alternative for autopsy in trauma victims: a systematic review
Authors: M. Scholing
T. P. Saltzherr
P. H. P. Fung Kon Jin
K. J. Ponsen
J. B. Reitsma
J. S. Lameris
J. C. Goslings
Publication date: 01-10-2009
Publisher: Springer-Verlag
Published in: European Radiology / Issue 10/2009
Print ISSN: 0938-7994
Electronic ISSN: 1432-1084
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00330-009-1440-4

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The value of postmortem computed tomography as an alternative for autopsy in trauma victims: a systematic review

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