Journal Published Online: 01 January 1995
Volume 40, Issue 1

Identification of an Unknown Corpse by Means of Computed Tomography (CT) of the Lumbar Spine

CODEN: JFSCAS

Abstract

For the first time, a case is described in which an unknown corpse is identified by the comparison of antemortem and postmortem computed tomographic (CT) images. A posterolateral disc herniation at L5-S1 on the right side, Schmorl's nodes and a lucency in the ilium were found in identical locations in each case. Additionally there were characteristic morphological similarities in the vertebral bodies, spinous processes, transverse processes and neural arches. In CT identification, as in conventional radiographic identification, one must try to reproduce comparable scanning conditions and images because apparent differences in the roentgenological morphology can occur as a result of different gantry angles or slice thicknesses.

Author Information

Riepert, T
Institute of Forensic Medicine of the Johannes Gutenberg University, Mainz, Germany
Rittner, C
Institute of Forensic Medicine of the Johannes Gutenberg University, Mainz, Germany
Ulmcke, D
Institute of Forensic Medicine of the Johannes Gutenberg University, Mainz, Germany
Ogbuihi, S
Institute of Forensic Medicine of the Johannes Gutenberg University, Mainz, Germany
Schweden, F
Clinic of Radiology of the Johannes Gutenberg University, Mainz, Germany
Pages: 2
Price: $25.00
Related
Reprints and Permissions
Reprints and copyright permissions can be requested through the
Copyright Clearance Center
Details
Stock #: JFS13775J
ISSN: 0022-1198
DOI: 10.1520/JFS13775J