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Kisbye LW, Rickert A, Hasselstrøm JB, Andersen CU, Lund HA, Rohde MC, Boel LWT. Enhanced autopsy triage (EA-Triage) in drug-related deaths: integrating quick toxicological analysis and postmortem computed tomography. Forensic Sci Med Pathol 2024:10.1007/s12024-024-00819-2. [PMID: 38683282 DOI: 10.1007/s12024-024-00819-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/17/2024] [Indexed: 05/01/2024]
Abstract
The objective was to assess the diagnostic accuracy of an enhanced autopsy triage (EA-Triage) setup consisting of postmortem computed tomography (PMCT), simulated quick toxicological analysis (sQTA), external examination, and case information in determining cause of death (COD) in persons with past or current use of illegal drugs (drug-related deaths). Information on drug-related deaths selected for medico-legal autopsy in 2020-2021 at the Department of Forensic Medicine, Aarhus University, Denmark, was analyzed retrospectively. The included cases underwent conventional autopsy, PMCT, and systematic toxicological analysis. A board-certified forensic pathologist, who was blinded to the internal examination and COD from the medico-legal autopsy, determined COD based on the EA-Triage setup. 154 cases with a median age of 40.6 years (range 17-70 years, 82% males) were included. The COD determined by medico-legal autopsy and that determined by EA-Triage matched in 113 cases (73%), including those with an unknown COD. EA-Triage and medico-legal autopsy determined unknown COD in 45 (29%) and 5 cases (3%), respectively. Excluding cases with an unknown COD, EA-Triage predicted COD in 109 cases (71%); of those, 72 (66%) had no unexplained case circumstances or suspicion of a criminal act. In these 72 cases, the CODs determined by EA-Triage and medico-legal autopsy matched in 71 cases (99%), and the sensitivity and specificity for detecting lethal intoxication were 100% and 90%, respectively. EA-Triage showed strong diagnostic accuracy for determining COD in drug-related deaths. This method may be suitable for enhancing preautopsy triage and guiding police investigations at an early stage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lea Wold Kisbye
- Department of Forensic Medicine, Aarhus University, Palle Juul- Jensens Boulevard 99, Aarhus N, 8200, Denmark.
| | - Annika Rickert
- Department of Forensic Medicine, Aarhus University, Palle Juul- Jensens Boulevard 99, Aarhus N, 8200, Denmark
| | - Jørgen Bo Hasselstrøm
- Department of Forensic Medicine, Aarhus University, Palle Juul- Jensens Boulevard 99, Aarhus N, 8200, Denmark
| | - Charlotte Uggerhøj Andersen
- Department of Forensic Medicine, Aarhus University, Palle Juul- Jensens Boulevard 99, Aarhus N, 8200, Denmark
| | - Henriette Askjær Lund
- Department of Forensic Medicine, Aarhus University, Palle Juul- Jensens Boulevard 99, Aarhus N, 8200, Denmark
| | - Marianne Cathrine Rohde
- Department of Forensic Medicine, Aarhus University, Palle Juul- Jensens Boulevard 99, Aarhus N, 8200, Denmark
| | - Lene Warner Thorup Boel
- Department of Forensic Medicine, Aarhus University, Palle Juul- Jensens Boulevard 99, Aarhus N, 8200, Denmark
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Mentink MG, Latten BGH, Bakers FCH, Mihl C, Benali F, Nelemans PJ, Rennenberg RJMW, Koopmans RP, Bergmans DCJJ, Kubat B, Hofman PAM. Efficacy of postmortem CT and tissue sampling in establishing the cause of death in clinical practice: a prospective observational study. J Clin Pathol 2024; 77:259-265. [PMID: 36581447 DOI: 10.1136/jcp-2021-207946] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2021] [Accepted: 12/18/2022] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
AIMS The aim of this study is to evaluate whether agreement with autopsy-determined cause of death (COD) increases by use of postmortem CT (PMCT) or PMCT in combination with postmortem sampling (PMS), when compared with clinical assessment only. METHODS This prospective observational study included deceased patients from the intensive care unit and internal medicine wards between October 2013 and August 2017. The primary outcome was percentage agreement on COD between the reference standard (autopsy) and the alternative postmortem examinations (clinical assessment vs PMCT or PMCT+PMS). In addition, the COD of patient groups with and without conventional autopsy were compared with respect to involved organ systems and pathologies. RESULTS Of 730 eligible cases, 144 could be included for analysis: 63 underwent PCMT without autopsy and 81 underwent both PMCT and autopsy. Agreement with autopsy-determined COD was significantly higher for both PMCT with PMS (42/57, 74%), and PMCT alone (53/81, 65%) than for clinical assessment (40/81, 51%; p=0.007 and p=0.03, respectively). The difference in agreement between PMCT with PMS and PMCT alone was not significant (p=0.13). The group with autopsy had a significantly higher prevalence of circulatory system involvement and perfusion disorders, and a lower prevalence of pulmonary system involvement. CONCLUSION PMCT and PMS confer additional diagnostic value in establishing the COD. Shortcomings in detecting vascular occlusions and perfusion disorders and susceptibility to pulmonary postmortem changes could in future be improved by additional techniques. Both PMCT and PMS are feasible in clinical practice and an alternative when autopsy cannot be performed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Max Guillaume Mentink
- Radiology & Nuclear Medicine, Maastricht Universitair Medisch Centrum+, Maastricht, Netherlands
| | - Bart G H Latten
- Pathology, Maastricht Universitair Medisch Centrum+, Maastricht, Netherlands
- Pathology, Netherlands Forensic Institute, Den Haag, Netherlands
| | - Frans C H Bakers
- Radiology & Nuclear Medicine, Maastricht Universitair Medisch Centrum+, Maastricht, Netherlands
| | - Casper Mihl
- Radiology & Nuclear Medicine, Maastricht Universitair Medisch Centrum+, Maastricht, Netherlands
- CARIM school for Cardiovascular Diseases, Maastricht University, Maastricht, Netherlands
| | - Faysal Benali
- Radiology & Nuclear Medicine, Maastricht Universitair Medisch Centrum+, Maastricht, Netherlands
| | | | | | - Richard P Koopmans
- Internal Medicine, Maastricht Universitair Medisch Centrum+, Maastricht, Netherlands
| | | | - Bela Kubat
- Pathology, Maastricht Universitair Medisch Centrum+, Maastricht, Netherlands
| | - Paul A M Hofman
- Radiology & Nuclear Medicine, Maastricht Universitair Medisch Centrum+, Maastricht, Netherlands
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Speelman AC, Engel-Hills PC, Martin LJ, van Rijn RR, Offiah AC. Postmortem computed tomography plus forensic autopsy for determining the cause of death in child fatalities. Pediatr Radiol 2022; 52:2620-2629. [PMID: 35732843 DOI: 10.1007/s00247-022-05406-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2022] [Revised: 04/06/2022] [Accepted: 05/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Postmortem computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging have been gradually introduced to forensic pathology centres over the past two decades, with varying results in comparison to autopsy. OBJECTIVE The purpose of this study was to determine the accuracy of postmortem CT in determining a cause of death in children who died of unnatural causes. MATERIALS AND METHODS This was a prospective recruitment of 30 children (< 18 years) who underwent postmortem CT and a forensic autopsy. A cause of death was independently assigned by two experienced paediatric radiologists and compared to that of the forensic autopsy. RESULTS A correct cause of death was assigned by reviewers 1 and 2 in 70% (n = 21/30) and 67% (n = 20/30) of cases, respectively. For gunshot injuries and blunt force head injuries, there was 91% (n = 10/11) and 100% (n = 6/6) agreement between forensic autopsy and both reviewers, respectively. No cause of death could be assigned by reviewers 1 and 2 in 27% (n = 8) and 30% (n = 9) of cases, respectively. An incorrect cause of death was assigned by both reviewers in one case (3%). The Cohen Kappa level of agreement between the forensic autopsy and reviewers 1 and 2 was k = 0.624 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.45-0.80, P = 0) and k = 0.582 (95% CI 0.41-0.76, P = 0), respectively. There was near perfect agreement between reviewers 1 and 2 (k = 0.905) (95% CI 0.78-1.00, P = 0). CONCLUSION Postmortem CT has good diagnostic accuracy for identifying a cause of death related to trauma, but it has poor accuracy for children dying from causes not associated with apparent physical injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aladdin C Speelman
- Radiography (Diagnostic), Department of Medical Imaging and Therapeutic Sciences, Faculty of Health and Wellness Sciences, Cape Peninsula University of Technology, Bellville, 7530, Cape Town, South Africa.
| | - Penelope C Engel-Hills
- Faculty of Health and Wellness Sciences, Cape Peninsula University of Technology, Bellville, 7530, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Lorna J Martin
- Division of Forensic Medicine & Toxicology, Department of Pathology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Rick R van Rijn
- Department of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Department of Forensic Medicine, Netherlands Forensic Institute, The Hague, The Netherlands
| | - Amaka C Offiah
- University of Sheffield and Sheffield Children's NHS Foundation Trust, Sheffield, UK
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Chainchel Singh MK, Mohd Noor MH, Ibrahim MA, Siew SF, Lai PS, Lai PS. Use of Post-Mortem Computed Tomography During the COVID-19 Pandemic: The Malaysian Experience. Malays J Med Sci 2022; 29:83-92. [PMID: 36474535 PMCID: PMC9681000 DOI: 10.21315/mjms2022.29.5.9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2021] [Accepted: 02/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Background COVID-19 was declared a pandemic by the World Health Organization (WHO). COVID-19 is highly contagious, making it a threat to healthcare workers, including those working in mortuaries. Therefore, it is important to determine if the cause of death (COD) could be identified using limited autopsy, diagnostic tests and post-mortem imaging modalities instead of full autopsy. This study aims to examine the effectiveness of post-mortem imaging, specifically post-mortem computed tomography (PMCT) at determining the COD during a pandemic. Methods This cross-sectional study included 172 subjects with suspected or unknown COVID-19 status brought in dead to the institute's mortuary during the pandemic in Malaysia. PMCT images reported by forensic radiologists and their agreement with conventional autopsy findings by forensic pathologists regarding COD were analysed to look at the effectiveness of PMCT in determining COD during a pandemic. Results Analysis showed that 78.7% (133) of cases reported by forensic radiologists concurred with the COD certified by forensic pathologists. Of these cases, 85 (63.9%) had undergone only external examination and real-time reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (rRT-PCR) COVID-19 testing, meaning that imaging was the sole method used to determine the COD besides history from available medical records and the investigating police officer. Conclusion PMCT can be used as a complement to medicolegal autopsies in pandemic contexts, as it provides significant information on the possible COD without jeopardising the safety of mortuary health care workers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mansharan Kaur Chainchel Singh
- Institute of Pathology, Laboratory and Forensic Medicine (I-PPerForM), Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM), Selangor, Malaysia,Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM), Selangor, Malaysia,National Institute of Forensic Medicine, Hospital Kuala Lumpur, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Mohamad Helmee Mohd Noor
- National Institute of Forensic Medicine, Hospital Kuala Lumpur, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia,Radiology Department, Hospital Kuala Lumpur, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | | | - Sheue Feng Siew
- National Institute of Forensic Medicine, Hospital Kuala Lumpur, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Poh Soon Lai
- National Institute of Forensic Medicine, Hospital Kuala Lumpur, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
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5
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The application of CT for 3D visualization of concealed bodies. Sci Justice 2022; 62:424-432. [DOI: 10.1016/j.scijus.2022.05.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2021] [Revised: 04/11/2022] [Accepted: 05/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
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Takahashi Y, Hayakawa A, Sano R, Fukuda H, Kubo R, Tokue H, Okawa T, Kawamura M, Kominato Y. Usefulness of a tissue optical clearing technique for forensic autopsy. J Forensic Sci 2022; 67:1124-1131. [PMID: 35088897 DOI: 10.1111/1556-4029.14995] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2021] [Revised: 12/23/2021] [Accepted: 01/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Forensic pathologists are required to investigate lethal trauma or disease at autopsy. In addition to massive contusions of various organs, a number of small features with potentially fatal implications also need to be sought. Since such lesions may need microscopic examinations for detailed evaluation, it is important to select suitable anatomic locations for tissue sampling. For practical screening of small lesions, we have developed a tissue optical clearing (TOC) technique for forensic autopsy. The technique involves clearing with a non-toxic organic solvent, ethyl cinnamate, which renders excised organs transparent, while hemorrhages or blood-containing vessels remain opaque. Using this technique, tiny hemorrhages in the spinal cord were able to be identified by gross examination, allowing proper selection of locations for tissue sampling. Subsequent histopathological evaluation was successfully performed with no apparent artifacts related with the TOC procedure. In addition, a combination of TOC and targeted CT angiography allowed feasible examination of the arterial occlusive lesion in the superior mesenteric artery, and when combined with micro-CT scanning it was useful for evaluating the lumen of the coronary artery with stent implantation. The results obtained so far indicated that TOC could complement routine forensic autopsy procedures when detailed evaluation of small lesions is required.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yoichiro Takahashi
- Department of Legal Medicine, Gunma University, Graduate School of Medicine, Maebashi, Japan
| | - Akira Hayakawa
- Department of Legal Medicine, Gunma University, Graduate School of Medicine, Maebashi, Japan
| | - Rie Sano
- Department of Legal Medicine, Gunma University, Graduate School of Medicine, Maebashi, Japan
| | - Haruki Fukuda
- Department of Legal Medicine, Gunma University, Graduate School of Medicine, Maebashi, Japan
| | - Rieko Kubo
- Department of Legal Medicine, Gunma University, Graduate School of Medicine, Maebashi, Japan
| | - Hiroyuki Tokue
- Department of Diagnostic Radiology & Nuclear Medicine, Graduate School of Medicine, Gunma University, Maebashi, Japan
| | - Takafumi Okawa
- Department of Legal Medicine, Gunma University, Graduate School of Medicine, Maebashi, Japan
| | - Miki Kawamura
- Department of Legal Medicine, Gunma University, Graduate School of Medicine, Maebashi, Japan
| | - Yoshihiko Kominato
- Department of Legal Medicine, Gunma University, Graduate School of Medicine, Maebashi, Japan
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Child Abuse, a Post-mortem Forensic Perspective. FORENSIC IMAGING 2022. [DOI: 10.1007/978-3-030-83352-7_9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/15/2022]
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8
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Schmidt U, Oramary D, Kamin K, Buschmann CT, Kleber C. Synergistic Effects of Forensic Medicine and Traumatology: Comparison of Clinical Diagnosis Autopsy Findings in Trauma-Related Deaths. World J Surg 2020; 44:1137-1148. [PMID: 31933040 DOI: 10.1007/s00268-019-05347-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Trauma is the third leading cause of death worldwide after cardiovascular and oncologic diseases. Predominant causes of trauma-related death (TD) are severe traumatic brain injury (sTBI), hemorrhagic shock, and multiple organ failure. An analysis of TD is required in order to review the quality of trauma care and grasp how well the entire trauma network functions, especially for the most severely injured patients. Furthermore, autopsies not only reveal hidden injuries, but also verify clinical assumed causes of death. MATERIAL During the study period of 3 years, a total of 517 trauma patients were admitted to our supraregional University Centre of Orthopaedics and Traumatology in Dresden. 13.7% (71/517) of the patients died after trauma, and in 25 cases (35.2%), a forensic autopsy was instructed by the federal prosecutor. The medical records, death certificates, and autopsy reports were retrospectively evaluated and the clinical findings matched to autopsy results. RESULTS The observed mortality rates (13.7%) were 4.2% less than expected by the calculated RISC II probability of survival (mortality rate of 17.9%). The most frequent trauma victims were due to falls >3 m (n = 29), followed by traffic accidents (n = 28). The median ISS was 34, IQR 25, and the median New ISS (NISS) was 50, IQR 32. Locations of death were in emergency department (23.9%), ICU (73.2%), OR and ward (1.4%, respectively). Clinicians classified 47.9% of deaths due to sTBI (n = 34), followed by 9.9% thoracic trauma and multiple organ failure (n = 7), 8.4% multiple trauma (n = 6), and 2.8% hypoxia and exsanguination (n = 2). In 18.3%, cases were unspecific or other causes of death recorded on the death certificates. Evident differences with evident clinical consequences were ascertained in 4% (n = 1) and marginal clinical consequences in 24% (6/25). In 16% (4/25), marginal differences with minor forensic consequences were revealed. CONCLUSIONS Even in a supraregional trauma center, specialized in multiple trauma management (4.2% survival benefit), room for improvement exists in more than a quarter of all casualties. This underlines the need for higher autopsy rates to uncover missed injuries and to understand the pathomechanism in each trauma fatality. This would also help to uncover potential insufficiencies in clinical routines with regard to diagnostics. The interdisciplinary cooperation of trauma surgeons and forensic pathologists can increase the quality of trauma patient care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Uwe Schmidt
- Institute of Legal Medicine, Medical Faculty Carl Gustav Carus, Technical University Dresden, Fetscherstrasse 74, 01307, Dresden, Germany.
| | - Delovan Oramary
- University Center of Orthopaedics and Traumatology, AG Polytrauma, University Medicine Carl Gustav Carus, Technical University, Fetscherstrasse 74, 01307, Dresden, Germany
| | - Konrad Kamin
- University Center of Orthopaedics and Traumatology, AG Polytrauma, University Medicine Carl Gustav Carus, Technical University, Fetscherstrasse 74, 01307, Dresden, Germany
| | - Claas T Buschmann
- Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health, Institute of Legal Medicine and Forensic Sciences, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Christian Kleber
- University Center of Orthopaedics and Traumatology, AG Polytrauma, University Medicine Carl Gustav Carus, Technical University, Fetscherstrasse 74, 01307, Dresden, Germany
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Xia ZY, Bruguier C, Dedouit F, Grabherr S, Augsburger M, Liu BB. Oleic Acid (OA), A Potential Dual Contrast Agent for Postmortem MR Angiography (PMMRA): A Pilot Study. Curr Med Sci 2020; 40:786-794. [PMID: 32862391 DOI: 10.1007/s11596-020-2244-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2019] [Accepted: 05/19/2020] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
Choosing proper perfusates as contrast agents is an important aspect for postmortem magnetic resonance angiography (PMMRA). However, in this emerging field, the number of suitable kinds of liquid is still very limited. The objective of this research is to compare MR images of oleic acid (OA) with paraffin oil (PO) in vitro and in ex situ animal hearts, in order to evaluate the feasibility to use OA as a novel contrast agent for PMMRA. In vitro, OA, PO and water (control) were introduced into three tubes separately and T1weighted-spin echo (T1w-SE) and T2w-SE images were acquired on a 1.5T MR scanner. In the second experiment, OA and PO were injected into left coronary artery (LCA) and left ventricle (LV) of ex situ bovine hearts and their T1w-SE, T2w-SE, T1w-multipoint Dixon (T1w-mDixon) and 3DT2w-mDixon images were acquired. The overall results indicate that OA may have a potential to be used as a dual (T1 and T2 based) contrast agent for PMMRA when proper sequence parameters are utilized. However, as the pilot study was based on limited number of animal hearts, more researches using OA in cadavers are needed to validate our findings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhi-Yuan Xia
- Institute of Evidence Law and Forensic Science, China University of Political Science and Law (CUPL), Key Laboratory of Evidence Law and Forensic Science, Ministry of Education, Beijing, 100088, China.
| | - Christine Bruguier
- University Center of Legal Medicine, Lausanne-Geneva (CURML), Lausanne, CH1000, Switzerland
| | - Fabrice Dedouit
- Service de Médecine Légale, Hôpital de Rangueil, Toulouse, 50032, France
| | - Silke Grabherr
- University Center of Legal Medicine, Lausanne-Geneva (CURML), Lausanne, CH1000, Switzerland
| | - Marc Augsburger
- University Center of Legal Medicine, Lausanne-Geneva (CURML), Lausanne, CH1000, Switzerland
| | - Bei-Bei Liu
- Dian Research Center for Postmortem Imaging & Angiography, Beijing, 100192, China
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Corpse dismemberment: A case series. Solving the puzzle through an integrated multidisciplinary approach. J Forensic Leg Med 2020; 74:102005. [PMID: 33012308 DOI: 10.1016/j.jflm.2020.102005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2020] [Revised: 06/19/2020] [Accepted: 06/21/2020] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
The finding of corpse parts poses several challenges for the forensic pathologist presenting implications for identification, diagnosis of death and determination of wounds vitality. Further interpretative difficulties in cases of cadaveric dismemberment derive from the scarcity of tanatochronological parameters useful to estimate the post-mortem interval (PMI) and the absence of uniform investigative protocols in the different centres of forensic pathology. The present study proposes an investigation protocol for the cadaveric dismemberment through the discussion of a case series. The study group consisted of cases in which the dismemberment was performed after the murder. For all cases, a study protocol based on crime scene investigation, post-mortem computed tomography (PMCT), autopsy, toxicological, histological, immunohistochemical and genetic investigations was implemented. In particular, the standardised use of radiographic study before the autopsy allows all to have information that can guide the forensic pathologist during the autopsy. The use of immunohistochemistry allows an assessment of the vitality of the lesions possibly involved in the determinism of death, as well as of the surfaces of dismemberment, representing a tool of considerable utility for forensic purposes. The genetic investigations allow the identification of the victims, while the toxicological ones highlight the possible abuse of substances. The implemented protocol presents a demonstrated usefulness in improving diagnostic accuracy in corpse dismemberment cases.
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11
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Ribas LM, Massad MR, Pinto AC, Heng HG, Tremori TM, Reis ST, Baroni CO, Massad E, Rocha NS. Post-mortem CT vs necropsy in feline medicine. J Feline Med Surg 2020; 22:1206-1213. [PMID: 32436802 DOI: 10.1177/1098612x20919310] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The aim of this study was to compare post-mortem CT findings with necropsy findings in domestic cats. METHODS Post-mortem CT and necropsies were performed in 20 cadavers of domestic cats. The sensitivity, specificity and agreement between the post-mortem CT and necropsy findings were determined. RESULTS There were a total of 315 post-mortem findings; 183 were identified by post-mortem CT and 132 were identified by necropsy. Post-mortem CT demonstrated a higher sensitivity to identify the findings mainly in bones. The higher indices of agreement between post-mortem CT and necropsy were related to abnormalities of pleural space, bones and joints. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE This study demonstrated that post-mortem CT and necropsy provided different information. Thus, their use in conjunction with each other might improve the understanding of the cause of death and the identification of post-mortem lesions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laila M Ribas
- Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, São Paulo State University, Botucatu, Brazil
| | - Mara Rr Massad
- Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, São Paulo State University, Botucatu, Brazil
| | - Ana Cbcf Pinto
- Surgery Department, School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Hock Gan Heng
- Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, USA
| | - Tália M Tremori
- Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, São Paulo State University, Botucatu, Brazil
| | - Sérvio Tj Reis
- Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, São Paulo State University, Botucatu, Brazil
| | - Carina O Baroni
- Surgery Department, School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Eduardo Massad
- School of Applied Mathematics of the Fundação Getulio Vargas, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Noeme S Rocha
- Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, São Paulo State University, Botucatu, Brazil
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Ampanozi G, Halbheer D, Ebert LC, Thali MJ, Held U. Postmortem imaging findings and cause of death determination compared with autopsy: a systematic review of diagnostic test accuracy and meta-analysis. Int J Legal Med 2019; 134:321-337. [PMID: 31455980 DOI: 10.1007/s00414-019-02140-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2018] [Accepted: 08/06/2019] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The aim of this study was to evaluate the sensitivity of postmortem computed tomography (PMCT), postmortem magnetic resonance imaging (PMMR) and PMCT angiography (PMCTA) compared with autopsy in cases of adult death investigations. METHODS For this systematic review and meta-analysis, Embase, PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science and Medline were searched for eligible studies in October 2016; a follow-up literature search was conducted in March 2018. Studies referring to PMCT, PMCTA and/or PMMR of more than 3 cases with subsequent autopsy were included. Data were extracted from published texts in duplicate. The extracted outcomes were categorized as follows: soft tissue and organ findings, skeletal injuries, haemorrhages, abnormal gas accumulations and causes of death. The summary measure was sensitivity, if 3 or more studies were available. To combine studies, a random effects model was used. Variability and heterogeneity within the meta-analysis was assessed. RESULTS Of 1053 studies, 66 were eligible, encompassing a total of 4213 individuals. For soft tissue and organ findings, there was a high pooled sensitivity with PMCTA (0.91, 95% CI 0.81-0.96), without evidence for between-study variability (Cochrane's Q test p = 0.331, I2 = 24.5%). The pooled sensitivity of PMCT+PMMR was very high in skeletal injuries (0.97, CI 0.87-0.99), without evidence for variability (p = 0.857, I2 = 0.0%). In detecting haemorrhages, the pooled sensitivity for PMCT+PMMR was the highest (0.88, 95% CI 0.35-0.99), with strong evidence of heterogeneity (p < 0.05, I2 > 50%). Pooled sensitivity for the correct cause of death was the highest for PMCTA with 0.79 (95% CI 0.52-0.93), again with evidence of heterogeneity (p = 0.062, I2 > 50%). CONCLUSION Distinct postmortem imaging modalities can achieve high sensitivities for detecting various findings and causes of death. This knowledge should lead to a reasoned use of each modality. Both forensic evidence and in-hospital medical quality would be enhanced.
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Affiliation(s)
- Garyfalia Ampanozi
- Forensic Medicine and Imaging, Institute of Forensic Medicine, University of Zurich, Winterthurerstrasse 190/52, 8057, Zurich, Switzerland.
| | - Delaja Halbheer
- Forensic Medicine and Imaging, Institute of Forensic Medicine, University of Zurich, Winterthurerstrasse 190/52, 8057, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Lars C Ebert
- Forensic Medicine and Imaging, Institute of Forensic Medicine, University of Zurich, Winterthurerstrasse 190/52, 8057, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Michael J Thali
- Forensic Medicine and Imaging, Institute of Forensic Medicine, University of Zurich, Winterthurerstrasse 190/52, 8057, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Ulrike Held
- Horten Centre, University of Zurich, Pestalozzistrasse 24, 8091, Zurich, Switzerland.,Epidemiology, Biostatistics and Prevention Institute, Department of Biostatistics, University of Zurich, Hirschengraben 84, 8001, Zurich, Switzerland
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Nasal Septum Defects Detected on Postmortem Computed Tomography. Am J Forensic Med Pathol 2019; 40:279-284. [PMID: 30985333 DOI: 10.1097/paf.0000000000000482] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Nasal septum defects may have forensic relevance because they are associated with various mechanisms, including trauma and cocaine abuse. Like all human body tissues, the nasal septum may be affected by maggots' infestation during postmortem decomposition. Postmortem computed tomography (PMCT) can reveal small findings and related details. Three cases of early postmortem period and 2 cases of advanced decomposition, where external examination of the nasal cavities and PMCT revealed nasal septum defect, are presented. In the early postmortem period cases, the lesions' edges appeared smoother on PMCT, whereas in the advanced decomposed cases, the edges were irregular and maggots were infested. Postmortem computed tomography can detect nasal septum defects and may help differentiate the preexisting from the postmortem ones based on their edges' radiological appearance. Such findings may indicate possible chronic cocaine abuse (cocaine nose), trauma, or other nasal pathology. It is important to note that such defects may be altered or caused by advanced decomposition.
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14
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Chatzaraki V, Heimer J, Thali M, Dally A, Schweitzer W. Role of PMCT as a triage tool between external inspection and full autopsy – Case series and review. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2018. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jofri.2018.10.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
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15
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Pankowski F, Bogiel G, Paśko S, Rzepiński F, Misiewicz J, Staszak A, Bonecka J, Dzierzęcka M, Bartyzel BJ. Fatal gunshot injuries in the common buzzard Buteo buteo L. 1758 - imaging and ballistic findings. Forensic Sci Med Pathol 2018; 14:526-530. [PMID: 30171496 PMCID: PMC6267380 DOI: 10.1007/s12024-018-0017-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/06/2018] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
The conservation of the common buzzard is assured by the European Union law. In Poland, this wild bird is under strict species protection and it is used as a bioindicator for heavy metals in the environment. A case of the fatal shooting of a buzzard with a firearm by an unidentified shooter is described here. Macroscopic evaluation, X-ray imaging, post-mortem computed tomography, ballistic examination of the isolated bullets and finally a simulation of the assumed position of the bird at the time of the shot were performed. Numerous pellets were found inside the body, together with multiple bone fractures and central nervous system trauma. The buzzard died most probably as a result of spinal cord injury from a single shot that was fired from a smoothbore hunting gun. Collected evidence was insufficient to identify the shooter, which sadly confirms that identification of the perpetrator in wildlife forensics remains low.
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Affiliation(s)
- Filip Pankowski
- Department of Morphological Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Warsaw University of Life Sciences - SGGW, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Grzegorz Bogiel
- Toolmark and Ballistic Department, Central Forensic Laboratory of the Police Research Institute, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Sławomir Paśko
- Virtual Reality Techniques Division, Faculty of Mechatronics, The Institute of Micromechanics and Photonics, Warsaw University of Technology, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Filip Rzepiński
- Department of Morphological Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Warsaw University of Life Sciences - SGGW, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Joanna Misiewicz
- Department of Morphological Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Warsaw University of Life Sciences - SGGW, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Alfred Staszak
- University of Zielona Góra, Faculty of Law and Administration, Zielona Góra, Poland
| | - Joanna Bonecka
- Department of Small Animal Diseases with Clinic, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Warsaw University of Life Sciences - SGGW, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Małgorzata Dzierzęcka
- Department of Morphological Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Warsaw University of Life Sciences - SGGW, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Bartłomiej J Bartyzel
- Department of Morphological Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Warsaw University of Life Sciences - SGGW, Warsaw, Poland.
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16
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Willaume T, Farrugia A, Kieffer EM, Charton J, Geraut A, Berthelon L, Bierry G, Raul JS. The benefits and pitfalls of post-mortem computed tomography in forensic external examination: A retrospective study of 145 cases. Forensic Sci Int 2018; 286:70-80. [DOI: 10.1016/j.forsciint.2018.02.030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2017] [Revised: 02/26/2018] [Accepted: 02/28/2018] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
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17
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Sonnemans LJP, Kubat B, Prokop M, Klein WM. Can virtual autopsy with postmortem CT improve clinical diagnosis of cause of death? A retrospective observational cohort study in a Dutch tertiary referral centre. BMJ Open 2018; 8:e018834. [PMID: 29549202 PMCID: PMC5857682 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2017-018834] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To investigate whether virtual autopsy with postmortem CT (PMCT) improves clinical diagnosis of the immediate cause of death. DESIGN Retrospective observational cohort study. INCLUSION CRITERIA inhospital and out-of-hospital deaths over the age of 1 year in whom virtual autopsy with PMCT and conventional autopsy were performed. EXCLUSION CRITERIA forensic cases, postmortal organ donors and cases with incomplete scanning procedures. Cadavers were examined by virtual autopsy with PMCT prior to conventional autopsy. The clinically determined cause of death was recorded before virtual autopsy and was then adjusted with the findings of virtual autopsy. Using conventional autopsy as reference standard, we investigated the increase in sensitivity for immediate cause of death, type of pathology and anatomical system involved before and after virtual autopsy. SETTING Tertiary referral centre. PARTICIPANTS 86 cadavers that underwent conventional and virtual autopsy between July 2012 and June 2016. INTERVENTION PMCT consisted of brain, cervical spine and chest-abdomen-pelvis imaging. Conventional autopsy consisted of thoracoabdominal examination with/without brain autopsy. PRIMARY AND SECONDARY OUTCOME MEASURES Increase in sensitivity for the immediate cause of death, type of pathology (infection, haemorrhage, perfusion disorder, other or not assigned) and anatomical system (pulmonary, cardiovascular, gastrointestinal, other or not assigned) involved, before and after virtual autopsy. RESULTS Using PMCT, the sensitivity for immediate cause of death increased with 12% (95% CI 2% to 22%) from 53% (41% to 64%) to 64% (53% to 75%), with 18% (9% to 27%) from 65% (54% to 76%) to 83% (73% to 91%) for type of pathology and with 19% (9% to 30%) from 65% (54% to 76%) to 85% (75% to 92%) for anatomical system. CONCLUSION While unenhanced PMCT is an insufficient substitute for conventional autopsy, it can improve diagnosis of cause of death over clinical diagnosis alone and should therefore be considered whenever autopsy is not performed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lianne J P Sonnemans
- Department of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, Radboudumc, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Bela Kubat
- Department of Pathology, Netherlands Forensic Institute, Hague, The Netherlands
- Department of Pathology, Maastricht UMC+, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Mathias Prokop
- Department of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, Radboudumc, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Willemijn M Klein
- Department of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, Radboudumc, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
- Department of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, Maastricht UMC+, Maastricht, The Netherlands
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