Journal Published Online: 01 March 2003
Volume 48, Issue 2

Virtopsy, a New Imaging Horizon in Forensic Pathology: Virtual Autopsy by Postmortem Multislice Computed Tomography (MSCT) and Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)—a Feasibility Study

CODEN: JFSCAS

Abstract

Using postmortem multislice computed tomography (MSCT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), 40 forensic cases were examined and findings were verified by subsequent autopsy. Results were classified as follows: (I) cause of death, (II) relevant traumatological and pathological findings, (III) vital reactions, (IV) reconstruction of injuries, (V) visualization. In these 40 forensic cases, 47 partly combined causes of death were diagnosed at autopsy, 26 (55%) causes of death were found independently using only radiological image data. Radiology was superior to autopsy in revealing certain cases of cranial, skeletal, or tissue trauma. Some forensic vital reactions were diagnosed equally well or better using MSCT/MRI. Radiological imaging techniques are particularly beneficial for reconstruction and visualization of forensic cases, including the opportunity to use the data for expert witness reports, teaching, quality control, and telemedical consultation. These preliminary results, based on the concept of “virtopsy,” are promising enough to introduce and evaluate these radiological techniques in forensic medicine.

Author Information

Thali, MJ
University of Berne, Switzerland University of Berne, Switzerland University of Berne, Switzerland
Yen, K
University of Berne, Switzerland
Schweitzer, W
University of Berne, Switzerland
Vock, P
University of Berne, Switzerland
Boesch, C
University of Berne, Switzerland
Ozdoba, C
University of Berne, Switzerland
Schroth, G
University of Berne, Switzerland
Ith, M
University of Berne, Switzerland
Sonnenschein, M
University of Berne, Switzerland
Doernhoefer, T
University of Berne, Switzerland
Scheurer, E
University of Berne, Switzerland
Plattner, T
University of Berne, Switzerland
Dirnhofer, R
University of Berne, Switzerland
Pages: 18
Price: $25.00
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Stock #: JFS2002166
ISSN: 0022-1198
DOI: 10.1520/JFS2002166