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01-11-2019 | Computed Tomography | Original Article

Post-mortem computed tomography in forensic investigations of lethal gunshot incidents: is there an added value?

Authors: Rob A. T. van Kan, I. I. H. Haest, M. B. I. Lobbes, J. Kroll, S. R. Ernst, B. Kubat, P. A. M. Hofman

Published in: International Journal of Legal Medicine | Issue 6/2019

Abstract

The aim of this study is to assess the added value of post-mortem computed tomography (PMCT) in fatal shooting incidents compared with autopsy findings. For this study, the analysis was restricted to the following four features: location of the entrance and exit wounds, internal injuries, location of projectiles or metal fragments and course of the trajectories. These features were selected because they provide essential information on the cause and manner of death. All data were retrospectively collected from medical forensic examinations of fatal shooting incidents in the Netherlands that occurred in 2010–2014. Twenty-one fatal shooting victims were included in this study, with a total of 100 trajectories. For all 100 trajectories, the forensic radiologist and pathologist came to a consensus on which examination had the highest diagnostic value for each of the four features. PMCT provides superior information on the presence of metal fragments, internal injuries and the course of trajectories. PMCT provides limited information on the discrimination of entrance and exit wounds. In conclusion, PMCT provides additional relevant information in over 60% of forensic medical examinations of deceased victims of shooting incidents. We therefore recommend adding PMCT as a standard examination in these cases.

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Title: Post-mortem computed tomography in forensic investigations of lethal gunshot incidents: is there an added value?
Authors: Rob A. T. van Kan
I. I. H. Haest
M. B. I. Lobbes
J. Kroll
S. R. Ernst
B. Kubat
P. A. M. Hofman
Publication date: 01-11-2019
Publisher: Springer Berlin Heidelberg
Keywords: Computed Tomography
Autopsy
Computed Tomography
Forensic Radiology
Forensic Radiology
Published in: International Journal of Legal Medicine / Issue 6/2019
Print ISSN: 0937-9827
Electronic ISSN: 1437-1596
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00414-019-02108-y

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Post-mortem computed tomography in forensic investigations of lethal gunshot incidents: is there an added value?

Abstract

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