Journal Published Online: 17 August 2005
Volume 50, Issue 5

Virtopsy: Postmortem Minimally Invasive Angiography Using Cross Section Techniques—Implementation and Preliminary Results

CODEN: JFSCAS

Abstract

Postmortem investigation is increasingly supported by Computed Tomography (CT) and Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI). This led to the idea to implement a noninvasive or minimally invasive autopsy technique. Therefore, a minimally invasive angiography technique becomes necessary, in order to support the vascular cross section diagnostic. Preliminary experiments investigating different contrast agents for CT and MRI and their postmortem applicability have been performed using an ex-vivo porcine coronary model. MSCT and MRI angiography was performed in the porcine model. Three human corpses were investigated using minimally invasive MSCT angiography. Via the right femoral artery a plastic tube was advanced into the aortic arch. Using a flow adjustable pump the radiopaque contrast agent meglumine-ioxithalamate was injected. Subsequent MSCT scanning provided an excellent anatomic visualization of the human arterial system including intracranial and coronary arteries. Vascular pathologies such as calcification, stenosis and injury were detected. Limitations of the introduced approach are cases of major vessel injury and cases that show an advanced stage of decay.

Author Information

Jackowski, C
University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
Sonnenschein, M
University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
Thali, MJ
University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
Aghayev, E
University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
von Allmen, G
University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
Yen, K
University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
Dirnhofer, R
University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
Vock, P
University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
Pages: 12
Price: $25.00
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Stock #: JFS2005023
ISSN: 0022-1198
DOI: 10.1520/JFS2005023