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Nakaki Y, Fukumoto W, Higashibori H, Kawashita I, Nakamura Y, Awai K. Performance of postmortem CT in the diagnosis of natural death from out-of-hospital cardiac arrest. Jpn J Radiol 2024:10.1007/s11604-024-01559-7. [PMID: 38625477 DOI: 10.1007/s11604-024-01559-7] [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: 10/04/2023] [Accepted: 03/14/2024] [Indexed: 04/17/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE Postmortem CT (PMCT) is used widely to identify the cause of death. However, its diagnostic performance in cases of natural death from out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) may be unsatisfactory because the cause tends to be cardiogenic and cannot be detected on PMCT images. We retrospectively investigated the diagnostic performance of PMCT in the diagnosis of natural death from OHCA and compared it to that of unnatural death. MATERIALS AND METHODS Our series included 450 cases; 336 were natural- and 114 were unnatural death cases. Between 2018 and 2022 all underwent non-contrast PMCT to identify the cause of death. Two radiologists reviewed the PMCT images and categorized them as diagnostic (PMCT alone sufficient to determine the cause of death), suggestive (the cause of death was suggested but additional information was needed), and non-diagnostic (the cause of death could not be determined on PMCT images). The diagnostic performance of PMCT was defined by the percentage of diagnosable and suggestive cases and compared between natural- and unnatural death cases. Interobserver agreement for the cause of death on PMCT images was also assessed with the Cohen kappa coefficient of concordance. RESULTS The diagnostic performance of PMCT for the cause of natural- and unnatural deaths from OHCA was 30.3% and 66.6%, respectively (p < 0.01). The interobserver agreement for the cause of natural- and unnatural deaths on PMCT images was very good with kappa value 0.92 and 0.96, respectively. CONCLUSION As PMCT identified the cause of natural death by OHCA in only 30% of cases, its diagnostic performance must be improved.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu Nakaki
- Department of Diagnostic Radiology, Graduate School of Biomedical and Health Science, Hiroshima University, 1-2-3 Kasumi, Minamiku, Hiroshima, 734-8551, Japan
| | - Wataru Fukumoto
- Department of Diagnostic Radiology, Graduate School of Biomedical and Health Science, Hiroshima University, 1-2-3 Kasumi, Minamiku, Hiroshima, 734-8551, Japan.
- Center for Cause of Death Investigation Research, Graduate School of Biomedical and Health Science, Hiroshima University, 1-2-3 Kasumi, Minamiku, Hiroshima, 734-8551, Japan.
| | - Haruka Higashibori
- Department of Diagnostic Imaging, JA Hiroshima General Hospital, 1-3-3 Jigozen, Hatsukaichi-Shi, Hiroshima, 738-0042, Japan
| | - Ikuo Kawashita
- Department of Diagnostic Radiology, Graduate School of Biomedical and Health Science, Hiroshima University, 1-2-3 Kasumi, Minamiku, Hiroshima, 734-8551, Japan
| | - Yuko Nakamura
- Department of Diagnostic Radiology, Graduate School of Biomedical and Health Science, Hiroshima University, 1-2-3 Kasumi, Minamiku, Hiroshima, 734-8551, Japan
| | - Kazuo Awai
- Department of Diagnostic Radiology, Graduate School of Biomedical and Health Science, Hiroshima University, 1-2-3 Kasumi, Minamiku, Hiroshima, 734-8551, Japan
- Center for Cause of Death Investigation Research, Graduate School of Biomedical and Health Science, Hiroshima University, 1-2-3 Kasumi, Minamiku, Hiroshima, 734-8551, Japan
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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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Gascho D, von Allmen A, Landsmann A, Hünermund T, Tappero C, Thali MJ, Deininger-Czermak E. Diagnostic value of T 1- and T 2-weighted 3-Tesla MRI for postmortem detection and age stage classification of myocardial infarction. Forensic Sci Med Pathol 2024; 20:14-22. [PMID: 36862287 PMCID: PMC10944381 DOI: 10.1007/s12024-023-00592-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/08/2023] [Indexed: 03/03/2023]
Abstract
The aims of this study are to retrospectively evaluate the diagnostic value of T1- and T2-weighted 3-T magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) for postmortem detection of myocardial infarction (MI) in terms of sensitivity and specificity and to compare the MRI appearance of the infarct area with age stages. Postmortem MRI examinations (n = 88) were retrospectively reviewed for the presence or absence of MI by two raters blinded to the autopsy results. The sensitivity and specificity were calculated using the autopsy results as the gold standard. A third rater, who was not blinded to the autopsy findings, reviewed all cases in which MI was detected at autopsy for MRI appearance (hypointensity, isointensity, hyperintensity) of the infarct area and the surrounding zone. Age stages (peracute, acute, subacute, chronic) were assigned based on the literature and compared with the age stages reported in the autopsy reports. The interrater reliability between the two raters was substantial (κ = 0.78). Sensitivity was 52.94% (both raters). Specificity was 85.19% and 92.59%. In 34 decedents, autopsy identified an MI (peracute: n = 7, acute: n = 25, chronic: n = 2). Of 25 MI classified as acute at autopsy, MRI classified peracute in four cases and subacute in nine cases. In two cases, MRI suggested peracute MI, which was not detected at autopsy. MRI could help to classify the age stage and may indicate the area for sampling for further microscopic examination. However, the low sensitivity requires further additional MRI techniques to increase the diagnostic value.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dominic Gascho
- Department of Forensic Medicine and Imaging, Zurich Institute of Forensic Medicine, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.
| | - Alexandre von Allmen
- Department of Forensic Medicine and Imaging, Zurich Institute of Forensic Medicine, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Anna Landsmann
- Institute of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, University Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Tobias Hünermund
- Institute of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, University Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Carlo Tappero
- Department of Forensic Medicine and Imaging, Zurich Institute of Forensic Medicine, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
- Department of Radiology, Hôpital Fribourgeois, Fribourg, Switzerland
| | - Michael J Thali
- Department of Forensic Medicine and Imaging, Zurich Institute of Forensic Medicine, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Eva Deininger-Czermak
- Department of Forensic Medicine and Imaging, Zurich Institute of Forensic Medicine, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
- Institute of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, University Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
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4
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Lombardo P, Lange-Herr N, Hoppe H, Schwendener N, Jackowski C, Klaus J, Zech WD. Diagnostic accuracy of coronary artery stenosis and thrombosis assessment using unenhanced multiplanar 3D post-mortem cardiac magnetic resonance imaging. Forensic Sci Int 2023; 353:111878. [PMID: 37980856 DOI: 10.1016/j.forsciint.2023.111878] [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: 06/23/2023] [Accepted: 10/18/2023] [Indexed: 11/21/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND A 3D sequence was introduced to unenhanced post-mortem cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (PMCMR) to enable multiplanar coronary artery image analysis and to investigate its diagnostic accuracy for the diagnosis of coronary artery stenosis and thrombosis. MATERIALS AND METHODS N = 200 forensic cases with suspected coronary artery pathology underwent 3 Tesla PMCMR (sequence used: T2 weighted transversal 3D turbo spin echo) before autopsy. Main coronary artery stenosis and thrombosis were assessed in PMCMR by multiplanar image analysis by two observers. Coronary artery histology was determined as the gold standard and compared to PMCMR. Sensitivity, specificity, negative (NPV) and positive predictive values (PPV) with 95% confidence intervals were calculated. RESULTS For all coronary arteries combined, sensitivity was 75% (PPV 73%) for the diagnosis of stenosis and 72% (PPV 71%) for the diagnosis of thrombosis. Specificity was 92% (NPV 90%) for correct diagnosis of non-existing stenosis and 97% (NPV 97%) for non-existing thrombosis. Sensitivity for correct diagnosis of different degrees of stenosis ranged between 67% and 80% (PPVs 67-82%); specificity ranged between 96% and 99% (NPVs 96-99%). CONCLUSION Multiplanar PMCMR coronary artery stenosis and thrombosis assessment based on an unenhanced T2 weighted 3D sequence provide moderate sensitivity and high specificity for the diagnosis of coronary artery stenosis and/or thrombosis. Hence, 3D T2w PMCMR cannot reliably detect existing coronary artery stenosis and thrombosis but may be particularly useful for the exclusion of stenosis or thrombosis of the main coronary arteries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paolo Lombardo
- Institute of Forensic Medicine, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland; Department of Diagnostic, Interventional and Pediatric Radiology, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | | | - Hanno Hoppe
- Department of Radiology, Lindenhofspital Bern, Bern, Switzerland; University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland; Department of Health Sciences and Medicine, University of Lucerne, Lucerne, Switzerland
| | | | | | - Jeremias Klaus
- Institute of Forensic Medicine, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland; Department of Diagnostic, Interventional and Pediatric Radiology, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Wolf-Dieter Zech
- Institute of Forensic Medicine, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland.
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Berger C, Bauer M, Scheurer E, Lenz C. Temperature correction of post mortem quantitative magnetic resonance imaging using real-time forehead temperature acquisitions. Forensic Sci Int 2023; 348:111738. [PMID: 37263059 DOI: 10.1016/j.forsciint.2023.111738] [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: 12/22/2022] [Revised: 04/24/2023] [Accepted: 05/22/2023] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
Performing magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of deceased is challenging due to altered body temperatures compared to in vivo temperatures and, hence, requires a temperature correction. This study investigates the possibility to correct brain MRI parameters real-time and non invasively based on the forehead temperature. 17 post mortem cases were included and their forehead temperatures were measured continuously during the in situ brain MRI protocol consisting of a diffusion tensor imaging, multi-contrast spin echo, multi-echo gradient echo and inversion recovery spin echo sequence. Linear models were fitted to the quantitative MRI parameters in a forensically interesting temperature range for white matter, cerebral cortex and deep gray matter, separately, and the influence of the forehead temperature on the MRI parameters was determined. A statistically significant temperature sensitivity was found for T2 and mean diffusivity in white matter, for T1 in cerebral cortex, as well as for T1 and mean diffusivity in deep gray matter. Linear models were computed to temperature correct these MRI parameters in in situ post mortem scans to allow their comparison regardless of temperature. The here presented real-time and non invasive temperature correction method for the brain presents a crucial precondition for quantitative in situ post mortem MRI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Celine Berger
- Institute of Forensic Medicine, Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland; Institute of Forensic Medicine, Health Department Basel-Stadt, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Melanie Bauer
- Institute of Forensic Medicine, Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland; Institute of Forensic Medicine, Health Department Basel-Stadt, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Eva Scheurer
- Institute of Forensic Medicine, Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland; Institute of Forensic Medicine, Health Department Basel-Stadt, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Claudia Lenz
- Institute of Forensic Medicine, Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland; Institute of Forensic Medicine, Health Department Basel-Stadt, Basel, Switzerland.
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Michaud K, Jacobsen C, Basso C, Banner J, Blokker BM, de Boer HH, Dedouit F, O'Donnell C, Giordano C, Magnin V, Grabherr S, Suvarna SK, Wozniak K, Parsons S, van der Wal AC. Application of postmortem imaging modalities in cases of sudden death due to cardiovascular diseases-current achievements and limitations from a pathology perspective : Endorsed by the Association for European Cardiovascular Pathology and by the International Society of Forensic Radiology and Imaging. Virchows Arch 2023; 482:385-406. [PMID: 36565335 PMCID: PMC9931788 DOI: 10.1007/s00428-022-03458-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2022] [Revised: 11/11/2022] [Accepted: 11/15/2022] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Postmortem imaging (PMI) is increasingly used in postmortem practice and is considered a potential alternative to a conventional autopsy, particularly in case of sudden cardiac deaths (SCD). In 2017, the Association for European Cardiovascular Pathology (AECVP) published guidelines on how to perform an autopsy in such cases, which is still considered the gold standard, but the diagnostic value of PMI herein was not analyzed in detail. At present, significant progress has been made in the PMI diagnosis of acute ischemic heart disease, the most important cause of SCD, while the introduction of postmortem CT angiography (PMCTA) has improved the visualization of several parameters of coronary artery pathology that can support a diagnosis of SCD. Postmortem magnetic resonance (PMMR) allows the detection of acute myocardial injury-related edema. However, PMI has limitations when compared to clinical imaging, which severely impacts the postmortem diagnosis of myocardial injuries (ischemic versus non-ischemic), the age-dating of coronary occlusion (acute versus old), other potentially SCD-related cardiac lesions (e.g., the distinctive morphologies of cardiomyopathies), aortic diseases underlying dissection or rupture, or pulmonary embolism. In these instances, PMI cannot replace a histopathological examination for a final diagnosis. Emerging minimally invasive techniques at PMI such as image-guided biopsies of the myocardium or the aorta, provide promising results that warrant further investigations. The rapid developments in the field of postmortem imaging imply that the diagnosis of sudden death due to cardiovascular diseases will soon require detailed knowledge of both postmortem radiology and of pathology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katarzyna Michaud
- University Center of Legal Medicine Lausanne - Geneva, Lausanne University Hospital and University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland.
| | - Christina Jacobsen
- Section of Forensic Pathology, Department of Forensic Medicine, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Cristina Basso
- Cardiovascular Pathology Unit, Department of Cardiac, Thoracic and Vascular Sciences and Public Health, University of Padua, Padua, Italy
| | - Jytte Banner
- Section of Forensic Pathology, Department of Forensic Medicine, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | | | - Hans H de Boer
- Department of Forensic Medicine, Victorian Institute of Forensic Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Fabrice Dedouit
- GRAVIT, Groupe de Recherche en Autopsie Virtuelle et Imagerie Thanatologique, Forensic Department, University Hospital, Rangueil, Toulouse, France
| | - Chris O'Donnell
- Department of Forensic Medicine, Victorian Institute of Forensic Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Carla Giordano
- Department of Radiological, Oncological and Pathological Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Virginie Magnin
- University Center of Legal Medicine Lausanne - Geneva, Lausanne University Hospital and University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
- Geneva University Hospital, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Silke Grabherr
- University Center of Legal Medicine Lausanne - Geneva, Lausanne University Hospital and University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
- Geneva University Hospital, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - S Kim Suvarna
- Department of Histopathology, Northern General Hospital, The University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
| | - Krzysztof Wozniak
- Department of Forensic Medicine, Jagiellonian University Medical College, Krakow, Poland
| | - Sarah Parsons
- Department of Forensic Medicine, Victorian Institute of Forensic Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Allard C van der Wal
- Department of Pathology, Amsterdam UMC, Academic Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
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7
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Aquaro GD, Guidi B, Emdin M, Pucci A, Chiti E, Santurro A, Scopetti M, Biondi F, Maiese A, Turillazzi E, Camastra G, Faggioni L, Cioni D, Fineschi V, Neri E, Di Paolo M. Post-Mortem Cardiac Magnetic Resonance in Explanted Heart of Patients with Sudden Death. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:ijerph192013395. [PMID: 36293989 PMCID: PMC9603042 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph192013395] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2022] [Revised: 10/10/2022] [Accepted: 10/11/2022] [Indexed: 05/14/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND We sought to evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of post-mortem cardiac magnetic resonance (PMCMR) of explanted hearts to detect the cardiac causes of sudden death. METHODS PMCMR was performed in formalin-fixed explanted hearts of 115 cases of sudden death. Histological sampling of myocardium was performed using two different approaches: (1) guideline-based sampling; (2) guideline-based plus PMCMR-driven sampling. RESULTS Forensic diagnosis of cardiac cause of death was ascertained in 72 (63%) patients. When the guideline-driven histological sampling was used, the PMCMR interpretation matched with final forensic diagnosis in 93 out of 115 cases (81%) with sensitivity of 88% (79-95%), specificity of 65% (47-80%), PPV of 84% (78-90%), NPV of 73% (58-84%), accuracy of 81% (72-88%), and AUC of 0.77 (0.68-0.84). When a PMCMR-driven approach was added to the guideline-based one, the matching increased to 102 (89%) cases with a PMCMR sensitivity of 89% (80-94%), a specificity of 86% (67-96%), PPV of 95% (89-98%), NPV of 73% (59-83%), accuracy of 89% (81-93%), and AUC of 0.88 (0.80-0.93). CONCLUSIONS PMCMR has high accuracy to identify the cardiac cause of sudden death and may be considered a valid auxilium for forensic diagnosis. PMCMR could improve histological diagnosis in conditions with focal myocardial involvement or demonstrating signs of myocardial ischemia.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Michele Emdin
- Fondazione Toscana G. Monasterio, 56124 Pisa, Italy
- Scuola Superiore Sant’Anna, 56127 Pisa, Italy
| | - Angela Pucci
- Department of Surgical, Clinical and Molecular Pathology and of Critical Area, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy
| | - Enrica Chiti
- Department of Surgical, Clinical and Molecular Pathology and of Critical Area, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy
| | - Alessandro Santurro
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Dentistry-Scuola Medica Salernitana, University of Salerno, 84084 Fisciano, Italy
| | - Matteo Scopetti
- Department of Medical Surgical Sciences and Translational Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, 00189 Rome, Italy
| | - Federico Biondi
- Cardiology Department, University of Trieste, 34127 Trieste, Italy
| | - Aniello Maiese
- UO Medicina Legale, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy
| | | | | | | | - Dania Cioni
- Academic Radiology, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy
| | - Vittorio Fineschi
- Department of Anatomical, Histological, Forensic and Orthopaedic Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Emanuele Neri
- Academic Radiology, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy
| | - Marco Di Paolo
- UO Medicina Legale, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy
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State of the Art on the Role of Postmortem Computed Tomography Angiography and Magnetic Resonance Imaging in the Diagnosis of Cardiac Causes of Death: A Narrative Review. Tomography 2022; 8:961-973. [PMID: 35448711 PMCID: PMC9025017 DOI: 10.3390/tomography8020077] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2022] [Revised: 03/22/2022] [Accepted: 03/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The need of a minimally invasive approach, especially in cases of cultural or religious oppositions to the internal examination of the body, has led over the years to the introduction of postmortem CT (PMCT) methodologies within forensic investigations for the comprehension of the cause of death in selected cases (e.g., traumatic deaths, acute hemorrhages, etc.), as well as for personal identification. The impossibility to yield clear information concerning the coronary arteries due to the lack of an active circulation to adequately distribute contrast agents has been subsequently overcome by the introduction of coronary-targeted PMCT Angiography (PMCTA), which has revealed useful in the detection of stenoses related to calcifications and/or atherosclerotic plaques, as well as in the suspicion of thrombosis. In parallel, due to the best ability to study the soft tissues, cardiac postmortem MR (PMMR) methodologies have been further implemented, which proved suitable for the detection and aging of infarcted areas, and for cardiomyopathies. Hence, the purpose of the present work to shed light on the state of the art concerning the value of both coronary-targeted PMCTA and PMMR in the diagnosis of coronary artery disease and/or myocardial infarction as causes of death, further evaluating their suitability as alternatives or complementary approaches to standard autopsy and histologic investigations.
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9
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Lin H, Wang Z, Luo Y, Sun Q, Shen Y, Huang P. Post-mortem evaluation of the pathological degree of myocardial infarction by Fourier transform infrared microspectroscopy. SPECTROCHIMICA ACTA. PART A, MOLECULAR AND BIOMOLECULAR SPECTROSCOPY 2022; 268:120630. [PMID: 34815176 DOI: 10.1016/j.saa.2021.120630] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2021] [Revised: 10/18/2021] [Accepted: 11/11/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
In clinical and forensic investigations, accurate post-mortem diagnosis of the pathological degree of myocardial infarction (MI) is critical. However, because of the observer variability, the diagnosis cannot be made objectively. Many studies have shown that Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) microspectroscopy is non-invasive, observer-independent, and label-free when analyzing biological tissues. In this study, we used FTIR microspectroscopy in combination with intelligent algorithms to identify the pathological phases in human infarcted cardiac tissues, including ischemia, necrotic, granulation, and fibrotic stages. First, a comparison of infrared spectra corresponding to infarcted tissue pathological categories revealed various spectral properties. The results of unsupervised principal component analysis (PCA) revealed a clear distinction between these four pathological stages and the normal stage. Then, to identify these five stages, an automatic artificial neural network (ANN) classifier was effectively created. Finally, two-dimensional pseudo-color images of two infarcted cardiac tissue sections visualized via the ANN classifier showed great agreement with their histological images. These findings demonstrate that FTIR microspectroscopy has the potential for the post-mortem evaluation of the pathological degree of MI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hancheng Lin
- Department of Forensic Medicine, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Zhenyuan Wang
- Department of Forensic Pathology, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an 710061, China
| | - Yiwen Luo
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Forensic Medicine, Shanghai Forensic Service Platform, Institute of Forensic Science, Ministry of Justice, PRC, Shanghai 200063, China
| | - Qiran Sun
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Forensic Medicine, Shanghai Forensic Service Platform, Institute of Forensic Science, Ministry of Justice, PRC, Shanghai 200063, China
| | - Yiwen Shen
- Department of Forensic Medicine, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China.
| | - Ping Huang
- Department of Forensic Medicine, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China; Shanghai Key Laboratory of Forensic Medicine, Shanghai Forensic Service Platform, Institute of Forensic Science, Ministry of Justice, PRC, Shanghai 200063, China. @ssfjd.cn
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10
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Wang Y, Liu N, Yang M, Tian Z, Dong H, Lu Y, Zou D. Application and Prospect of Postmortem Imaging Technology in Forensic Cardiac Pathology: A Systemic Review. JOURNAL OF FORENSIC SCIENCE AND MEDICINE 2022. [DOI: 10.4103/jfsm.jfsm_129_22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
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11
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Ebata K, Noriki S, Inai K, Kimura H. Changes in magnetic resonance imaging relaxation time on postmortem magnetic resonance imaging of formalin-fixed human normal heart tissue. BMC Med Imaging 2021; 21:134. [PMID: 34556039 PMCID: PMC8459544 DOI: 10.1186/s12880-021-00666-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2021] [Accepted: 09/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Postmortem magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has been used to investigate the cause of death, but due to time constraints, it is not widely applied to the heart. Therefore, MRI analysis of the heart after formalin fixation was previously performed. However, the changes in MRI signal values based on the fixation time of formalin were not investigated. The objective was to investigate changes over time in the T1- and T2-values of MRI signals in normal areas of hearts removed during autopsy, hearts subsequently fixed in formalin, and heart specimens sliced for the preparation of pathological specimens. Methods The study subjects were 21 autopsy cases in our hospital between May 26, 2019 and February 16, 2020 whose hearts were removed and scanned by MRI. The male:female ratio was 14:7, and their ages at death ranged from 9 to 92 years (mean age 65.0 ± 19.7 years). Postmortem (PM)-MRI was conducted with a 0.3-Tesla (0.3-T) scanner containing a permanent magnet. A 4-channel QD head coil was used as the receiver coil. Scans were performed immediately after removal, post-formalin fixation, and after slicing; 7 cases were scanned at all three time points. Results The T1- and T2-values were calculated from the MRI signals of each sample organ at each scanning stage. Specimens were sliced from removed organs after formalin fixation, and the changes in T1- and T2-values over time were graphed to obtain an approximate curve. The median T1-values at each measurement time point tended to decrease from immediately after removal. The T2-values showed the same tendency to decrease, but this tendency was more pronounced for the T1-values. Conclusion MRI signal changes in images of heart specimens were investigated. Formalin fixation shortened both T1- and T2-values over time, and approximation formulae were derived to show these decreases over time. The shortening of T1- and T2-values can be understood as commensurate with the reduction in the water content (water molecules) of the formalin-fixed heart. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12880-021-00666-5.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kiyokadzu Ebata
- Integrated and Advanced Medical Course, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, University of Fukui, 23-3 Matsuoka Shimoaizuki, Eiheiji-cho, Yoshida-gun, Fukui, 910-1193, Japan. .,Department of Radiology, University of Fukui Hospital, 23-3 Matsuoka Shimoaizuki, Eiheiji-cho, Yoshida-gun, Fukui, 910-1193, Japan. .,Autopsy Imaging Division, Education and Research Center for Medical Imaging, School of Medical Sciences, University of Fukui, 23-3 Matsuoka Shimoaizuki, Eiheiji-cho, Yoshida-gun, Fukui, 910-1193, Japan.
| | - Sakon Noriki
- Faculty of Nursing and Social Welfare Sciences, Fukui Prefectural University, 4-1-1 Kenjojima, Matsuoka, Eiheiji-cho, Yoshida-gun, Fukui, 910-1195, Japan.,Autopsy Imaging Division, Education and Research Center for Medical Imaging, School of Medical Sciences, University of Fukui, 23-3 Matsuoka Shimoaizuki, Eiheiji-cho, Yoshida-gun, Fukui, 910-1193, Japan
| | - Kunihiro Inai
- Division of Molecular Pathology, Department of Pathological Sciences, School of Medical Sciences, University of Fukui, 23-3 Matsuoka Shimoaizuki, Eiheiji-cho, Yoshida-gun, Fukui, 910-1193, Japan.,Autopsy Imaging Division, Education and Research Center for Medical Imaging, School of Medical Sciences, University of Fukui, 23-3 Matsuoka Shimoaizuki, Eiheiji-cho, Yoshida-gun, Fukui, 910-1193, Japan
| | - Hirohiko Kimura
- Department of Radiology, Faculty of Medical Science, University of Fukui, 23-3 Matsuoka Shimoaizuki, Eiheiji-cho, Yoshida-gun, Fukui, 910-1193, Japan.,Autopsy Imaging Division, Education and Research Center for Medical Imaging, School of Medical Sciences, University of Fukui, 23-3 Matsuoka Shimoaizuki, Eiheiji-cho, Yoshida-gun, Fukui, 910-1193, Japan
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12
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Aquaro GD, Di Paolo M, Guidi B, Ghabisonia K, Pucci A, Aringheri G, Gorgodze N, Veronica M, Chiti E, Burchielli S, Turillazzi E, Emdin M, Caramella D, Recchia FA. Post-mortem CMR in a model of sudden death due to myocardial ischemia: validation with connexin-43. Eur Radiol 2021; 31:8098-8107. [PMID: 33876299 DOI: 10.1007/s00330-021-07890-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2021] [Revised: 03/08/2021] [Accepted: 03/15/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES We sought to evaluate the effectiveness of post-mortem cardiac magnetic resonance (PM-CMR) for the identification of myocardial ischemia as cause of sudden cardiac death (SCD) when the time interval between the onset of ischemia and SCD is ≤ 90 min. METHODS PM-CMR was performed in 8 hearts explanted from pigs with spontaneous death caused by occlusion of the left anterior descending coronary artery: 4 with SCD after ≤ 40 min of coronary occlusion and 4 between 40 and 90 min. PM-CMR included conventional T1 and T2-weighted image and T1, T2, and T2* mapping techniques. Imaging data were compared and validated with immunohistochemical evaluation of the altered proportion and redistribution of phosphorylated versus non-phosphorylated connexin 43 (CX43 and npCX43, respectively), an established molecular marker of myocardial ischemia. RESULTS At T2-weighted images, the ischemic core was hypointense (core/remote ratio 0.67 ± 0.11) and surrounded by and hyperintense border zone. Compared to remote myocardium, the ischemic core had higher T1 (p = 0.0008), and lower T2 (p = 0.007) and T2* (p = 0.002). Cytoplasmatic npX43 and the npCX43/CX43 ratio were significantly higher in animals deceased > 40 min than in others. CONCLUSION PM-CMR can reliably detect early signs of myocardial damage induced by ischemia, based on conventional pulse sequences complemented by a novel ad hoc application of quantitative mapping techniques. KEY POINTS • Post-mortem MRI may help to understand cause of sudden cardiac death. • Post-mortem MRI allows detection of signs of myocardial ischemia as cause of sudden cardiac death within 90 and 40 min following coronary occlusion as demonstrated in a pig model of myocardial ischemia. • Signs of myocardial ischemia using conventional and mapping MRI technique are associated with the immunohistochemical changes of phosphorylated and dephosphorylated connexin-43 which is an established molecular marker of myocardial ischemia.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Benedetta Guidi
- Clinical and Translational Science Research Department, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | | | - Angela Pucci
- Azienda Ospedaliero Universitaria Pisana, Pisa, Italy
| | - Giacomo Aringheri
- Clinical and Translational Science Research Department, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Nikoloz Gorgodze
- Institute of Life Sciences, Scuola Superiore Sant'Anna, Pisa, Italy
| | - Musetti Veronica
- Clinical and Translational Science Research Department, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Enrica Chiti
- Clinical and Translational Science Research Department, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Silvia Burchielli
- Fondazione Toscana G. Monasterio, Via Giuseppe Moruzzi, 1, 56124, Pisa, Italy
| | | | - Michele Emdin
- Fondazione Toscana G. Monasterio, Via Giuseppe Moruzzi, 1, 56124, Pisa, Italy.,Institute of Life Sciences, Scuola Superiore Sant'Anna, Pisa, Italy
| | - Davide Caramella
- Clinical and Translational Science Research Department, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Fabio A Recchia
- Fondazione Toscana G. Monasterio, Via Giuseppe Moruzzi, 1, 56124, Pisa, Italy.,Institute of Life Sciences, Scuola Superiore Sant'Anna, Pisa, Italy
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13
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Tiantong Y, Yucong W, Haibiao Z, Ran L, Haidong Z, Dong Z, Xu W. Application of virtopsy in forensic pathology. JOURNAL OF FORENSIC SCIENCE AND MEDICINE 2021. [DOI: 10.4103/jfsm.jfsm_67_20] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
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14
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Webb B, Manninger M, Leoni M, Widek T, Dobrovnik M, Scherr D, Stollberger R, Schwark T. T 2 and T 2∗ mapping in ex situ porcine myocardium: myocardial intravariability, temporal stability and the effects of complete coronary occlusion. Int J Legal Med 2019; 134:679-690. [PMID: 31848700 DOI: 10.1007/s00414-019-02211-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2019] [Accepted: 11/13/2019] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Diagnosis of ischaemia-related sudden cardiac death in the absence of microscopic and macroscopic ischaemic lesions remains a challenge for medical examiners. Medical imaging techniques increasingly provide support in post-mortem examinations by detecting and documenting internal findings prior to autopsy. Previous studies have characterised MR relaxation times to investigate post-mortem signs of myocardial infarction in forensic cohorts. In this prospective study based on an ex situ porcine heart model, we report fundamental findings related to intramyocardial variability and temporal stability of T2 as well as the effects of permanent coronary occlusion on T2 and T2∗ relaxation in post-mortem myocardium. The ex situ porcine hearts included in this study (n= 19) were examined in two groups (Ss, n= 11 and Si, n= 8). All magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) examinations were performed ex situ, at room temperature and at 3 T. In the Ss group, T2 mapping was performed on slaughterhouse porcine hearts at different post-mortem intervals (PMI) between 7 and 26 h. Regarding the intramyocardial variability, no statistically significant differences in T2 were observed between myocardial segments (p= 0.167). Assessment of temporal stability indicated a weak negative correlation (r=- 0.21) between myocardial T2 and PMI. In the Si group, animals underwent ethanol-induced complete occlusion of the left anterior descending artery. T2 and T2∗ mapping were performed within 3 h of death. Differences between the expected ischaemic and remote regions were statistically significant for T2 (p= 0.007), however not for T2∗ (p= 0.062). Our results provide important information for future assessment of the diagnostic potential of quantitative MRI in the post-mortem detection of early acute myocardial infarction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bridgette Webb
- Ludwig Boltzmann Institute for Clinical Forensic Imaging, Graz, Austria.
- BioTechMed, Graz, Austria.
| | - Martin Manninger
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - Marlene Leoni
- Institute of Pathology, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - Thomas Widek
- Ludwig Boltzmann Institute for Clinical Forensic Imaging, Graz, Austria
- BioTechMed, Graz, Austria
| | - Martin Dobrovnik
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - Daniel Scherr
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria
- Department of Cardiology, Cardiovascular Research Institute Maastricht (CARIM), Maastricht University Medical Center, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Rudolf Stollberger
- BioTechMed, Graz, Austria
- Institute of Medical Engineering, Graz University of Technology, Graz, Austria
| | - Thorsten Schwark
- Ludwig Boltzmann Institute for Clinical Forensic Imaging, Graz, Austria
- Institute of Forensic Medicine, Medical University Graz, Graz, Austria
- Laboratoire National de Santé, Dudelange, Luxembourg
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15
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Madea B, Doberentz E, Jackowski C. Vital reactions - An updated overview. Forensic Sci Int 2019; 305:110029. [PMID: 31726327 DOI: 10.1016/j.forsciint.2019.110029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2019] [Revised: 09/26/2019] [Accepted: 10/27/2019] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
The question whether an injury was sustained during life or not is one of the most important subjects in forensic medicine. Therefore, vital reactions have been a main research topic in forensic medicine for a long period and many renowned forensic pathologists have devoted important papers to this field. The research area ranges from macroscopically visible organ reactions, over tissue alterations (enzyme histochemistry, later on immunohistochemistry with a wide range of enzymes and other analytes, molecular pathology) to biochemical responses to injury. Especially in the field of immunohistochemistry and molecular pathology much progress has been achieved in the last years (e.g. heat-shock-proteins or positive aquaporine3-staining in mechanical skin trauma). Furthermore, 20 years after its implementation postmortem imaging also contributes to the detection and visualization of vital signs. The aim of the present review is to provide an update on forensically relevant vital signs/vital reactions. Systemic vital reactions especially of the circulatory and respiratory system as well as local vital reactions will be addressed. Vital reactions of different organ systems will be discussed in detail regarding pathogenesis and possible postmortem evolution. Current research on immunohistochemically detectable vital reactions (heat-shock-protein expression, aquaporine3-staining in mechanical trauma of the skin) will be addressed as well as biochemical vital reactions (agonochemical stress reaction, myoglobine in electrocution death, hypoxanthine as marker of hypoxia).
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Affiliation(s)
- Burkhard Madea
- Institute of Forensic Medicine, University of Bonn, Stiftsplatz 12, D-53111 Bonn, Germany.
| | - Elke Doberentz
- Institute of Forensic Medicine, University of Bonn, Stiftsplatz 12, D-53111 Bonn, Germany
| | - Christian Jackowski
- Institute of Forensic Medicine, University of Bern, Bühlstrasse 20, CH-3012 Bern, Switzerland
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16
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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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17
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Chatzaraki V, Thali MJ, Schweitzer W, Ampanozi G. Left myocardial wall measurements on postmortem imaging compared to autopsy. Cardiovasc Pathol 2019; 43:107149. [PMID: 31639653 DOI: 10.1016/j.carpath.2019.107149] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2019] [Revised: 06/27/2019] [Accepted: 08/12/2019] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE The aims of this study were, firstly, to determine the relationship of left ventricular wall thickness (LVWT) measurements between postmortem computed tomography (PMCT) and postmortem magnetic resonance imaging (PMMR) and, secondly, to assess the utility of postmortem imaging for LVWT measurements compared to autopsy. MATERIALS AND METHODS All cases ≥18years old, with postmortem interval ≤4days, cardiac PMCT, PMMR, and full forensic autopsy, were reviewed in our database retrospectively. Exclusion criteria were gas accumulations in the myocardial wall and cardiac trauma. LVWT on PMCT and PMMR was assessed. The measurements were repeated by the same rater after 2months. Autopsy reports were reviewed, and LVWT and pericardial fluid volume measured at autopsy were noted. Pericardial fluid volume >50ml was determined positive for pericardial effusion. RESULTS A total of 113 cases were included in the study. Twelve cases had pericardial effusion. Intrarater reliability for imaging based LVWT was excellent. LVWT (free wall) was significantly larger on PMCT (18.3mm) compared to PMMR (17.6mm), but these measurements correlated positively. LVWT (anterior wall) was significantly larger on PMMR (15mm) than at autopsy (14mm), and these measurements also correlated positively. Pericardial effusions led to larger differences between PMMR and autopsy measurements, however without statistical significance. DISCUSSION There exist discrepancies between LVWT as measured on postmortem imaging and at autopsy. Specialists should be aware in order to not misinterpret imaging measurements.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vasiliki Chatzaraki
- Department of Forensic Medicine and Imaging, Institute of Forensic Medicine, University of Zurich, Winterthurerstrasse 190/52, CH-8057, Zurich, Switzerland.
| | - Michael J Thali
- Department of Forensic Medicine and Imaging, Institute of Forensic Medicine, University of Zurich, Winterthurerstrasse 190/52, CH-8057, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Wolf Schweitzer
- Department of Forensic Medicine and Imaging, Institute of Forensic Medicine, University of Zurich, Winterthurerstrasse 190/52, CH-8057, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Garyfalia Ampanozi
- Department of Forensic Medicine and Imaging, Institute of Forensic Medicine, University of Zurich, Winterthurerstrasse 190/52, CH-8057, Zurich, Switzerland
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18
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Michaud K, Genet P, Sabatasso S, Grabherr S. Postmortem imaging as a complementary tool for the investigation of cardiac death. Forensic Sci Res 2019; 4:211-222. [PMID: 31489387 PMCID: PMC6713140 DOI: 10.1080/20961790.2019.1630944] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2019] [Revised: 06/06/2019] [Accepted: 06/10/2019] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
In the past 2 decades, modern radiological methods, such as multiple detector computed tomography (MDCT), MDCT-angiography, and cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) were introduced into postmortem practice for investigation of sudden death (SD), including cases of sudden cardiac death (SCD). In forensic cases, the underlying cause of SD is most frequently cardiovascular with coronary atherosclerotic disease as the leading cause. There are many controversies about the role of postmortem imaging in establishing the cause of death and especially the value of minimally invasive autopsy techniques. This paper discusses the state of the art for postmortem radiological evaluation of the heart compared to classical postmortem examination, especially in cases of SCD. In SCD cases, postmortem CT is helpful to estimate the heart size and to visualize haemopericardium and calcified plaques and valves, as well as to identify and locate cardiovascular devices. Angiographic methods are useful to provide a detailed view of the coronary arteries and to analyse them, especially regarding the extent and location of stenosis and obstruction. In postsurgical cases, it allows verification and documentation of the patency of stents and bypass grafts before opening the body. Postmortem MRI is used to investigate soft tissues such as the myocardium, but images are susceptible to postmortem changes and further work is necessary to increase the understanding of these radiological aspects, especially of the ischemic myocardium. In postsurgery cases, the value of postmortem imaging of the heart is reportedly for the diagnostic and documentation purposes. The implementation of new imaging methods into routine postmortem practice is challenging, as it requires not only an investment in equipment but, more importantly, investment in the expertise of interpreting the images. Once those requirements are implemented, however, they bring great advantages in investigating cases of SCD, as they allow documentation of the body, orientation of sampling for further analyses and gathering of other information that cannot be obtained by conventional autopsy such as a complete visualization of the vascular system using postmortem angiography.Key pointsThere are no established guidelines for the interpretation of postmortem imaging examination of the heartAt present, postmortem imaging methods are considered as less accurate than the autopsy for cardiac deathsPostmortem imaging is useful as a complementary tool for cardiac deathsThere is still a need to validate postmortem imaging in cardiac deaths by comparing with autopsy findings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katarzyna Michaud
- Lausanne University Hospital and University of Lausanne, University Center of Legal Medicine Lausanne-Geneva, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Pia Genet
- Lausanne University Hospital and University of Lausanne, University Center of Legal Medicine Lausanne-Geneva, Lausanne, Switzerland.,Geneva University Hospital, University Center of Legal Medicine Lausanne-Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Sara Sabatasso
- Geneva University Hospital, University Center of Legal Medicine Lausanne-Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Silke Grabherr
- Lausanne University Hospital and University of Lausanne, University Center of Legal Medicine Lausanne-Geneva, Lausanne, Switzerland.,Geneva University Hospital, University Center of Legal Medicine Lausanne-Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
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19
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Abstract
Postmortem imaging is increasingly used in forensic practice as good complementary tool to conventional autopsy investigations. Over the last decade, postmortem cardiac magnetic resonance (PMCMR) imaging was introduced in forensic investigations of natural deaths related to cardiovascular diseases, which represent the most common causes of death in developed countries. Postmortem CMR application has yielded interesting results in ischemic myocardium injury investigations and in visualizing other pathological findings in the heart. This review presents the actual state of postmortem imaging for cardiovascular pathologies in cases of sudden cardiac death (SCD), taking into consideration both the advantages and limitations of PMCMR application.
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20
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Wagensveld IM, Blokker BM, Pezzato A, Wielopolski PA, Renken NS, von der Thüsen JH, Krestin GP, Hunink MGM, Oosterhuis JW, Weustink AC. Diagnostic accuracy of postmortem computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging, and computed tomography-guided biopsies for the detection of ischaemic heart disease in a hospital setting. Eur Heart J Cardiovasc Imaging 2019; 19:739-748. [PMID: 29474537 DOI: 10.1093/ehjci/jey015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2017] [Accepted: 01/15/2018] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Aims The autopsy rate worldwide is alarmingly low (0-15%). Mortality statistics are important, and it is, therefore, essential to perform autopsies in a sufficient proportion of deaths. The imaging autopsy, non-invasive, or minimally invasive autopsy (MIA) can be used as an alternative to the conventional autopsy in an attempt to improve postmortem diagnostics by increasing the number of postmortem procedures. The aim of this study was to determine the diagnostic accuracy of postmortem magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), computed tomography (CT), and CT-guided biopsy for the detection of acute and chronic myocardial ischaemia. Methods and results We included 100 consecutive adult patients who died in hospital, and for whom next-of-kin gave permission to perform both conventional autopsy and MIA. The MIA consists of unenhanced total-body MRI and CT followed by CT-guided biopsies. Conventional autopsy was used as reference standard. We calculated sensitivity and specificity and receiver operating characteristics curves for CT and MRI as the stand-alone test or combined with biopsy for detection of acute and chronic myocardial infarction (MI). Sensitivity and specificity of MRI with biopsies for acute MI was 0.97 and 0.95, respectively and 0.90 and 0.75, respectively for chronic MI. MRI without biopsies showed a high specificity (acute: 0.92; chronic: 1.00), but low sensitivity (acute: 0.50; chronic: 0.35). CT (total Agatston calcium score) had a good diagnostic value for chronic MI [area under curve (AUC) 0.74, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.64-0.84], but not for acute MI (AUC 0.60, 95% CI 0.48-0.72). Conclusion We found that the combination of MRI with biopsies had high sensitivity and specificity for the detection of acute and chronic myocardial ischaemia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ivo M Wagensveld
- Department of Radiology, Erasmus University Medical Center, 's Gravendijkwal 230, 3015 CD, Rotterdam, The Netherlands.,Department of Pathology, Erasmus University Medical Center, Wytemaweg 80, 3015 CN, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Britt M Blokker
- Department of Radiology, Erasmus University Medical Center, 's Gravendijkwal 230, 3015 CD, Rotterdam, The Netherlands.,Department of Pathology, Erasmus University Medical Center, Wytemaweg 80, 3015 CN, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Andrea Pezzato
- Department of Radiology, Erasmus University Medical Center, 's Gravendijkwal 230, 3015 CD, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Piotr A Wielopolski
- Department of Radiology, Erasmus University Medical Center, 's Gravendijkwal 230, 3015 CD, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Nomdo S Renken
- Department of Radiology, Erasmus University Medical Center, 's Gravendijkwal 230, 3015 CD, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Jan H von der Thüsen
- Department of Pathology, Erasmus University Medical Center, Wytemaweg 80, 3015 CN, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Gabriel P Krestin
- Department of Radiology, Erasmus University Medical Center, 's Gravendijkwal 230, 3015 CD, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - M G Myriam Hunink
- Department of Radiology, Erasmus University Medical Center, 's Gravendijkwal 230, 3015 CD, Rotterdam, The Netherlands.,Department of Epidemiology, Erasmus University Medical Center, Dr. Molewaterplein 50, 3015 GE, Rotterdam, The Netherlands.,Center for Health Decision Science, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, 718 Huntington Avenue, Boston, 02115 MA, USA
| | - J Wolter Oosterhuis
- Department of Pathology, Erasmus University Medical Center, Wytemaweg 80, 3015 CN, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Annick C Weustink
- Department of Radiology, Erasmus University Medical Center, 's Gravendijkwal 230, 3015 CD, Rotterdam, The Netherlands.,Department of Pathology, Erasmus University Medical Center, Wytemaweg 80, 3015 CN, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
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21
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Watson E, Heng HG. FORENSIC RADIOLOGY AND IMAGING FOR VETERINARY RADIOLOGISTS. Vet Radiol Ultrasound 2017; 58:245-258. [PMID: 28233422 DOI: 10.1111/vru.12484] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2016] [Revised: 01/19/2017] [Accepted: 01/19/2017] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Imaging studies are often of evidentiary value in medicolegal investigations involving animals and the role of the veterinary radiologist is to interpret those images for courts as an expert or opinion witness. With progressing interest in prosecuting animal crimes and strengthening of penalties for crimes against animals, the participation of veterinary radiologists in medicolegal investigations is expected to increase. Veterinary radiologists who are aware of radiographic and imaging signs that result in animal suffering, abuse, or neglect; knowledgeable in ways radiology and imaging may support cause of death determinations; conversant in postmortem imaging; comfortable discussing mechanisms and timing of blunt or sharp force and projectile trauma in imaging; and prepared to identify mimics of abuse can assist court participants in understanding imaging evidence. The goal of this commentary review is to familiarize veterinary radiologists with the forensic radiology and imaging literature and with the advantages and disadvantages of various imaging modalities utilized in forensic investigations. Another goal is to provide background information for future research studies in veterinary forensic radiology and imaging.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth Watson
- Department of Pathology, Immunology, and Laboratory Medicine, Veterinary Forensic Sciences, University of Florida College of Medicine, Gainesville, FL, 32610
| | - Hock Gan Heng
- Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, Purdue University, 625 Harrison Street, West Lafayette, IN, 47907
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22
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Webb B, Widek T, Neumayer B, Bruguier C, Scheicher S, Sprenger H, Grabherr S, Schwark T, Stollberger R. Temperature dependence of viscosity, relaxation times (T 1, T 2) and simulated contrast for potential perfusates in post-mortem MR angiography (PMMRA). Int J Legal Med 2016; 131:739-749. [PMID: 27900508 PMCID: PMC5388705 DOI: 10.1007/s00414-016-1482-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2016] [Accepted: 10/10/2016] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Developments in post-mortem imaging increasingly focus on addressing recognised diagnostic weaknesses, especially with regard to suspected natural deaths. Post-mortem MR angiography (PMMRA) may offer additional diagnostic information to help address such weaknesses, specifically in the context of sudden cardiac death. Complete filling of the coronary arteries and acceptable contrast with surrounding tissue are essential for a successful approach to PMMRA. In this work, the suitability of different liquids for inclusion in a targeted PMMRA protocol was evaluated. Factors influencing cooling of paraffinum liquidum + Angiofil® (6 %) in cadavers during routine multiphase post-mortem CT angiography were investigated. The temperature dependence of dynamic viscosity (8–20 °C), longitudinal (T1) and transverse (T2) relaxation (1–23 °C) of the proposed liquids was quadratically modelled. The relaxation behaviour of these liquids and MR scan parameters were further investigated by simulation of a radiofrequency (RF)-spoiled gradient echo (GRE) sequence to estimate potentially achievable contrast between liquids and post-mortem tissue at different temperatures across a forensically relevant temperature range. Analysis of the established models and simulations indicated that based on dynamic viscosity (27–33 mPa · s), short T1 relaxation times (155–207 ms) and a minimal temperature dependence over the investigated range of these parameters, paraffin oil and a solution of paraffin oil + Angiofil® (6 %) would be most suitable for post-mortem reperfusion and examination in MRI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bridgette Webb
- Ludwig Boltzmann Institute for Clinical Forensic Imaging, Universitätsplatz 4/2., Graz, 8010, Austria.
- Institute of Forensic Medicine, Medical University Graz, Graz, Austria.
- BioTechMed-Graz, Graz, Austria.
| | - Thomas Widek
- Ludwig Boltzmann Institute for Clinical Forensic Imaging, Universitätsplatz 4/2., Graz, 8010, Austria
- BioTechMed-Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - Bernhard Neumayer
- Ludwig Boltzmann Institute for Clinical Forensic Imaging, Universitätsplatz 4/2., Graz, 8010, Austria
- BioTechMed-Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - Christine Bruguier
- University Center of Legal Medicine, Lausanne-Geneva, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Sylvia Scheicher
- Ludwig Boltzmann Institute for Clinical Forensic Imaging, Universitätsplatz 4/2., Graz, 8010, Austria
- BioTechMed-Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - Hanna Sprenger
- Ludwig Boltzmann Institute for Clinical Forensic Imaging, Universitätsplatz 4/2., Graz, 8010, Austria
- BioTechMed-Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - Silke Grabherr
- University Center of Legal Medicine, Lausanne-Geneva, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Thorsten Schwark
- Ludwig Boltzmann Institute for Clinical Forensic Imaging, Universitätsplatz 4/2., Graz, 8010, Austria
- Institute of Forensic Medicine, Medical University Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - Rudolf Stollberger
- BioTechMed-Graz, Graz, Austria
- Institute of Medical Engineering, Graz University of Technology, Graz, Austria
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Schwendener N, Jackowski C, Persson A, Warntjes MJ, Schuster F, Riva F, Zech WD. Detection and differentiation of early acute and following age stages of myocardial infarction with quantitative post-mortem cardiac 1.5T MR. Forensic Sci Int 2016; 270:248-254. [PMID: 27836412 DOI: 10.1016/j.forsciint.2016.10.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2016] [Revised: 09/26/2016] [Accepted: 10/16/2016] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Recently, quantitative MR sequences have started being used in post-mortem imaging. The goal of the present study was to evaluate if early acute and following age stages of myocardial infarction can be detected and discerned by quantitative 1.5T post-mortem cardiac magnetic resonance (PMCMR) based on quantitative T1, T2 and PD values. In 80 deceased individuals (25 female, 55 male), a cardiac MR quantification sequence was performed prior to cardiac dissection at autopsy in a prospective study. Focal myocardial signal alterations detected in synthetically generated MR images were MR quantified for their T1, T2 and PD values. The locations of signal alteration measurements in PMCMR were targeted at autopsy heart dissection and cardiac tissue specimens were taken for histologic examinations. Quantified signal alterations in PMCMR were correlated to their according histologic age stage of myocardial infarction. In PMCMR seventy-three focal myocardial signal alterations were detected in 49 of 80 investigated hearts. These signal alterations were diagnosed histologically as early acute (n=39), acute (n=14), subacute (n=10) and chronic (n=10) age stages of myocardial infarction. Statistical analysis revealed that based on their quantitative T1, T2 and PD values, a significant difference between all defined age groups of myocardial infarction can be determined. It can be concluded that quantitative 1.5T PMCMR quantification based on quantitative T1, T2 and PD values is feasible for characterization and differentiation of early acute and following age stages of myocardial infarction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicole Schwendener
- Institute of Forensic Medicine, University of Bern, Buehlstrasse 20, 3012 Bern, Switzerland
| | - Christian Jackowski
- Institute of Forensic Medicine, University of Bern, Buehlstrasse 20, 3012 Bern, Switzerland
| | - Anders Persson
- Center for Medical Image Science and Visualization, CMIV, Linköping University, SE-58183 Linköping, Sweden; Department of Medical and Health Sciences, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
| | - Marcel J Warntjes
- Center for Medical Image Science and Visualization, CMIV, Linköping University, SE-58183 Linköping, Sweden; Department of Medical and Health Sciences, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
| | - Frederick Schuster
- Institute of Forensic Medicine, University of Bern, Buehlstrasse 20, 3012 Bern, Switzerland; Department of Diagnostic, Interventional and Pediatric Radiology, Hospital and University of Bern Inselspital, Freiburgstrasse 10, Bern CH-3010, Switzerland
| | - Fabiano Riva
- Institute of Forensic Medicine, University of Bern, Buehlstrasse 20, 3012 Bern, Switzerland
| | - Wolf-Dieter Zech
- Institute of Forensic Medicine, University of Bern, Buehlstrasse 20, 3012 Bern, Switzerland; Center for Medical Image Science and Visualization, CMIV, Linköping University, SE-58183 Linköping, Sweden; Department of Medical and Health Sciences, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden.
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24
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Rigor mortis at the myocardium investigated by post-mortem magnetic resonance imaging. Forensic Sci Int 2015; 257:93-97. [DOI: 10.1016/j.forsciint.2015.07.039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2015] [Revised: 07/17/2015] [Accepted: 07/24/2015] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
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25
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Ampanozi G, Hatch GM, Flach PM, Thali MJ, Ruder TD. Postmortem magnetic resonance imaging: Reproducing typical autopsy heart measurements. Leg Med (Tokyo) 2015; 17:493-8. [DOI: 10.1016/j.legalmed.2015.10.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2015] [Revised: 10/21/2015] [Accepted: 10/22/2015] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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26
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Application of contrast media in post-mortem imaging (CT and MRI). Radiol Med 2015; 120:824-34. [PMID: 25841652 DOI: 10.1007/s11547-015-0532-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2015] [Accepted: 03/12/2015] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
The application of contrast media in post-mortem radiology differs from clinical approaches in living patients. Post-mortem changes in the vascular system and the absence of blood flow lead to specific problems that have to be considered for the performance of post-mortem angiography. In addition, interpreting the images is challenging due to technique-related and post-mortem artefacts that have to be known and that are specific for each applied technique. Although the idea of injecting contrast media is old, classic methods are not simply transferable to modern radiological techniques in forensic medicine, as they are mostly dedicated to single-organ studies or applicable only shortly after death. With the introduction of modern imaging techniques, such as post-mortem computed tomography (PMCT) and post-mortem magnetic resonance (PMMR), to forensic death investigations, intensive research started to explore their advantages and limitations compared to conventional autopsy. PMCT has already become a routine investigation in several centres, and different techniques have been developed to better visualise the vascular system and organ parenchyma in PMCT. In contrast, the use of PMMR is still limited due to practical issues, and research is now starting in the field of PMMR angiography. This article gives an overview of the problems in post-mortem contrast media application, the various classic and modern techniques, and the issues to consider by using different media.
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Ross SG, Bolliger SA, Ampanozi G, Oesterhelweg L, Thali MJ, Flach PM. Postmortem CT angiography: capabilities and limitations in traumatic and natural causes of death. Radiographics 2015; 34:830-46. [PMID: 24819799 DOI: 10.1148/rg.343115169] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
Whole-body postmortem computed tomographic (CT) angiography is a promising new development in forensic radiology that has the potential to improve vascular and soft-tissue imaging beyond levels currently achievable with unenhanced postmortem CT. Postmortem access to the vascular system and injection of contrast medium are different from those steps in clinical (antemortem) radiology. Because there is no circulation in a corpse that could transport or dilute a contrast medium, the injection must be performed by using a roller pump to fill the vasculature (arterial and venous) with a mixture of a water-soluble iodized contrast medium and polyethylene glycol. In contrast to a classic autopsy, postmortem CT angiography is a minimally invasive procedure. It allows the diagnosis of vascular lesions without the disruption or destruction of anatomic structures, which could result in a loss of evidence in a criminal investigation. Furthermore, postmortem CT angiography facilitates the display of vascular pathologic conditions in areas that are not typically covered with autopsy alone, such as the craniocervical junction and the small pelvis. Therefore, postmortem CT angiography adds substantial value to the classic forensic autopsy; cross-sectional data can be reevaluated objectively at any time and are fully reproducible as counterexpertise, which is as useful in the fields of forensic medicine and pathology as in clinical research. Familiarity with the capabilities of postmortem CT angiography may help radiologists working with forensic cases improve their diagnostic performance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Steffen G Ross
- From the Institute of Forensic Medicine, University of Zurich, Winterthurerstrasse 190/52, 8057 Zurich, Switzerland (S.G.R., S.A.B., G.A., M.J.T., P.M.F.); the Institute of Forensic Medicine, University of Berne, Berne, Switzerland (S.G.R.); the Institute of Forensic Medicine, University of Berlin, Berlin, Germany (L.O.); and the Institute of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, University Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland (P.M.F.)
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Temperature dependence of postmortem MR quantification for soft tissue discrimination. Eur Radiol 2015; 25:2381-9. [DOI: 10.1007/s00330-015-3588-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2014] [Revised: 10/21/2014] [Accepted: 01/08/2015] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
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29
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Postmortem MR quantification of the heart for characterization and differentiation of ischaemic myocardial lesions. Eur Radiol 2015; 25:2067-73. [DOI: 10.1007/s00330-014-3582-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2014] [Revised: 10/01/2014] [Accepted: 12/19/2014] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
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30
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Püschel K, Bajanowski T, Vennemann M, Kernbach-Wighton G, Madea B. Plötzliche und unerwartete Todesfälle aus innerer Ursache. Rechtsmedizin (Berl) 2015. [DOI: 10.1007/978-3-662-43500-7_5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/11/2023]
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31
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Ruder TD, Thali MJ, Hatch GM. Essentials of forensic post-mortem MR imaging in adults. Br J Radiol 2014; 87:20130567. [PMID: 24191122 DOI: 10.1259/bjr.20130567] [Citation(s) in RCA: 92] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Post-mortem MR (PMMR) imaging is a powerful diagnostic tool with a wide scope in forensic radiology. In the past 20 years, PMMR has been used as both an adjunct and an alternative to autopsy. The role of PMMR in forensic death investigations largely depends on the rules and habits of local jurisdictions, availability of experts, financial resources, and individual case circumstances. PMMR images are affected by post-mortem changes, including position-dependent sedimentation, variable body temperature and decomposition. Investigators must be familiar with the appearance of normal findings on PMMR to distinguish them from disease or injury. Coronal whole-body images provide a comprehensive overview. Notably, short tau inversion-recovery (STIR) images enable investigators to screen for pathological fluid accumulation, to which we refer as "forensic sentinel sign". If scan time is short, subsequent PMMR imaging may be focussed on regions with a positive forensic sentinel sign. PMMR offers excellent anatomical detail and is especially useful to visualize pathologies of the brain, heart, subcutaneous fat tissue and abdominal organs. PMMR may also be used to document skeletal injury. Cardiovascular imaging is a core area of PMMR imaging and growing evidence indicates that PMMR is able to detect ischaemic injury at an earlier stage than traditional autopsy and routine histology. The aim of this review is to present an overview of normal findings on forensic PMMR, provide general advice on the application of PMMR and summarise the current literature on PMMR imaging of the head and neck, cardiovascular system, abdomen and musculoskeletal system.
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Affiliation(s)
- T D Ruder
- Department of Forensic Medicine and Imaging, Institute of Forensic Medicine, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
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Polacco M, Sedati P, Arena V, Pascali VL, Zobel BB, Oliva A, Rossi R. Visualization of myocardial infarction by post-mortem single-organ coronary computed tomography: a feasibility study. Int J Legal Med 2014; 129:517-24. [PMID: 25249224 DOI: 10.1007/s00414-014-1085-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2014] [Accepted: 09/03/2014] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Post-mortem imaging is increasingly used in forensic field in cases of natural deaths related to cardiovascular diseases, which represent the most common causes of death in developed countries. While radiological examination is generally considered to be a good complement for conventional autopsy, it was thought to have limited application in cardiovascular pathology. The aim of this study was to investigate the role of post-mortem multidetector coronary artery computed tomography in cases of sudden death in adults. MATERIALS AND METHODS We have enrolled 11 cases, all of whom were negative for macroscopic extra-cardiac lethal findings after standard autopsy procedure. Later, from the same individuals, isolated single-organ post-mortem computed tomography coronarography (PMCTA), using an iodinated non-ionic contrast medium, was achieved. After computed tomography examination, all the isolated hearths were carried to the forensic pathologist, and a conventional histology assessment was performed on them. RESULTS In 7 out of 11 of cadavers, a final diagnosis of myocardial infarction was made after a complete autopsy and histology procedures. Isolated hearts underwent PMCTA scanning and was confirmed in 6/11 cases, with the autopsy findings showing the presence and the localization of occlusions or severe stenoses and the extension of the myocardial hypoxic area by the extravasation of contrast medium as well. CONCLUSION Isolated single-organ PMCTA could be considered a valid and useful tool in addition to traditional autopsy investigation (macroscopic sections and histology) in identifying the cause of death by recognizing the presence and degree of coronary artery disease and myocardial infarction area visualization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matteo Polacco
- Institute of Public Health, Section of Legal Medicine, Catholic University, Rome, Italy
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33
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Schulze C, Hoppe H, Schweitzer W, Schwendener N, Grabherr S, Jackowski C. Rib fractures at postmortem computed tomography (PMCT) validated against the autopsy. Forensic Sci Int 2013; 233:90-8. [DOI: 10.1016/j.forsciint.2013.08.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2012] [Revised: 07/15/2013] [Accepted: 08/27/2013] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
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Feasibility of post mortem cardiac proton density weighted fast field echo imaging in two cases of sudden death. Leg Med (Tokyo) 2013; 15:310-4. [DOI: 10.1016/j.legalmed.2013.09.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2013] [Revised: 09/13/2013] [Accepted: 09/17/2013] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
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35
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Pluchinotta FR, Porayette P, Myers PO, Chen P, Feins E, Teot L, Prabhu SP, Sanders SP. Postmortem imaging of antemortem myocardial ischaemia. Eur Radiol 2013; 24:34-41. [PMID: 23907642 DOI: 10.1007/s00330-013-2974-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2013] [Revised: 06/26/2013] [Accepted: 06/27/2013] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To determine the minimum survival time for detection of antemortem myocardial ischaemia with postmortem imaging (PMI) techniques. METHODS Nine pigs underwent ligation of the left anterior descending (LAD) (8) and/or right coronary artery (RCA) branch (4), and were killed 30 min-6 h after ligation. PMI (MRI and CT angiography) was performed 2-55 h after euthanasia. Signal intensity of myocardial segments was measured. The hearts were removed, the coronary arteries injected to mark perfused segments, and sections submitted for histology. RESULTS MRI T2-weighted sequences showed the ischaemic area as hyperintense in 4/4 LAD ligations with ≥4 h of ischaemia but in 0/4 with <4 h. Histological evidence of ischaemia was present in 4/4 animals after 4 h. Right ventricular ischaemic myocardium was visible on MRI T2-weighted sequences after 6 h of ischaemia in one animal. CT angiography showed the occluded coronary artery in all cases. CONCLUSIONS Ischaemic lesions of the left ventricle, but not of the right, at least 4 h old can be detected as hyperintense areas on T2-weighted postmortem MRI. This technique is most sensitive in the first 24 h after death. Other sequences did not enhance detection. KEY POINTS • Left ventricular myocardial ischaemia/infarction can be demonstrated by postmortem imaging (PMI). • Ischaemia/infarction is better detected if survival time is at least 4 h. • Right ventricular ischaemia/infarction is not reliably detected by PMI. • Computed tomography angiography can demonstrate arterial occlusion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesca R Pluchinotta
- Department of Cardiology, Boston Children's Hospital, 300 Longwood Ave, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
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36
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Crooijmans HJ, Ruder TD, Zech WD, Somaini S, Scheffler K, Thali MJ, Bieri O. Feasibility of quantitative diffusion imaging of the heart in post-mortem MR. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2013. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jofri.2013.05.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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37
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Comparative study on developmental stages of the clavicle by postmortem MRI and CT imaging. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2013. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jofri.2013.05.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
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38
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Ruder TD, Ebert LC, Khattab AA, Rieben R, Thali MJ, Kamat P. Edema is a sign of early acute myocardial infarction on post-mortem magnetic resonance imaging. Forensic Sci Med Pathol 2013; 9:501-5. [DOI: 10.1007/s12024-013-9459-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/16/2013] [Indexed: 03/25/2023]
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Jackowski C, Schwendener N, Grabherr S, Persson A. Post-mortem cardiac 3-T magnetic resonance imaging: visualization of sudden cardiac death? J Am Coll Cardiol 2013; 62:617-29. [PMID: 23563129 DOI: 10.1016/j.jacc.2013.01.089] [Citation(s) in RCA: 66] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2012] [Accepted: 01/15/2013] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES This study aimed to investigate post-mortem magnetic resonance imaging (pmMRI) for the assessment of myocardial infarction and hypointensities on post-mortem T2-weighted images as a possible method for visualizing the myocardial origin of arrhythmic sudden cardiac death. BACKGROUND Sudden cardiac death has challenged clinical and forensic pathologists for decades because verification on post-mortem autopsy is not possible. pmMRI as an autopsy-supporting examination technique has been shown to visualize different stages of myocardial infarction. METHODS In 136 human forensic corpses, a post-mortem cardiac MR examination was carried out prior to forensic autopsy. Short-axis and horizontal long-axis images were acquired in situ on a 3-T system. RESULTS In 76 cases, myocardial findings could be documented and correlated to the autopsy findings. Within these 76 study cases, a total of 124 myocardial lesions were detected on pmMRI (chronic: 25; subacute: 16; acute: 30; and peracute: 53). Chronic, subacute, and acute infarction cases correlated excellently to the myocardial findings on autopsy. Peracute infarctions (age range: minutes to approximately 1 h) were not visible on macroscopic autopsy or histological examination. Peracute infarction areas detected on pmMRI could be verified in targeted histological investigations in 62.3% of cases and could be related to a matching coronary finding in 84.9%. A total of 15.1% of peracute lesions on pmMRI lacked a matching coronary finding but presented with severe myocardial hypertrophy or cocaine intoxication facilitating a cardiac death without verifiable coronary stenosis. CONCLUSIONS 3-T pmMRI visualizes chronic, subacute, and acute myocardial infarction in situ. In peracute infarction as a possible cause of sudden cardiac death, it demonstrates affected myocardial areas not visible on autopsy. pmMRI should be considered as a feasible post-mortem investigation technique for the deceased patient if no consent for a clinical autopsy is obtained.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christian Jackowski
- Forensic Imaging Center Bern, Institute of Forensic Medicine, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland.
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40
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Michaud K, Grabherr S, Jackowski C, Bollmann MD, Doenz F, Mangin P. Postmortem imaging of sudden cardiac death. Int J Legal Med 2013; 128:127-37. [PMID: 23322013 DOI: 10.1007/s00414-013-0819-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 68] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2012] [Accepted: 01/04/2013] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Postmortem imaging is increasingly used in forensic practice in cases of natural deaths related to cardiovascular diseases, which represent the most common causes of death in developed countries. While radiological examination is generally considered to be a good complement for conventional autopsy, it was thought to have limited application in cardiovascular pathology. At present, multidetector computed tomography (MDCT), CT angiography, and cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) are used in postmortem radiological investigation of cardiovascular pathologies. This review presents the actual state of postmortem imaging for cardiovascular pathologies in cases of sudden cardiac death (SCD), taking into consideration both the advantages and limitations. The radiological evaluation of ischemic heart disease (IHD), the most frequent cause of SCD in the general population of industrialized countries, includes the examination of the coronary arteries and myocardium. Postmortem CT angiography (PMCTA) is very useful for the detection of stenoses and occlusions of coronary arteries but less so for the identification of ischemic myocardium. MRI is the method of choice for the radiological investigation of the myocardium in clinical practice, but its accessibility and application are still limited in postmortem practice. There are very few reports implicating postmortem radiology in the investigation of other causes of SCD, such as cardiomyopathies, coronary artery abnormalities, and valvular pathologies. Cardiomyopathies representing the most frequent cause of SCD in young athletes cannot be diagnosed by echocardiography, the most widely available technique in clinical practice for the functional evaluation of the heart and the detection of cardiomyopathies. PMCTA and MRI have the potential to detect advanced stages of diseases when morphological substrate is present, but these methods have yet to be sufficiently validated for postmortem cases. Genetically determined channelopathies cannot be detected radiologically. This review underlines the need to establish the role of postmortem radiology in the diagnosis of SCD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katarzyna Michaud
- University Center of Legal Medicine, Lausanne and Geneva, Rue du Bugnon 21, 1011, Lausanne, Switzerland,
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Postmortem computed tomography angiography vs. conventional autopsy: advantages and inconveniences of each method. Int J Legal Med 2013; 127:981-9. [PMID: 23292183 DOI: 10.1007/s00414-012-0814-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 66] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2012] [Accepted: 12/20/2012] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Postmortem computed tomography angiography (PMCTA) was introduced into forensic investigations a few years ago. It provides reliable images that can be consulted at any time. Conventional autopsy remains the reference standard for defining the cause of death, but provides only limited possibility of a second examination. This study compares these two procedures and discusses findings that can be detected exclusively using each method. MATERIALS AND METHODS This retrospective study compared radiological reports from PMCTA to reports from conventional autopsy for 50 forensic autopsy cases. Reported findings from autopsy and PMCTA were extracted and compared to each other. PMCTA was performed using a modified heart-lung machine and the oily contrast agent Angiofil® (Fumedica AG, Muri, Switzerland). RESULTS PMCTA and conventional autopsy would have drawn similar conclusions regarding causes of death. Nearly 60 % of all findings were visualized with both techniques. PMCTA demonstrates a higher sensitivity for identifying skeletal and vascular lesions. However, vascular occlusions due to postmortem blood clots could be falsely assumed to be vascular lesions. In contrast, conventional autopsy does not detect all bone fractures or the exact source of bleeding. Conventional autopsy provides important information about organ morphology and remains the only way to diagnose a vital vascular occlusion with certitude. CONCLUSION Overall, PMCTA and conventional autopsy provide comparable findings. However, each technique presents advantages and disadvantages for detecting specific findings. To correctly interpret findings and clearly define the indications for PMCTA, these differences must be understood.
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Jackowski C, Grabherr S, Schwendener N. Pulmonary thrombembolism as cause of death on unenhanced postmortem 3T MRI. Eur Radiol 2012; 23:1266-70. [DOI: 10.1007/s00330-012-2728-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2012] [Revised: 10/15/2012] [Accepted: 11/01/2012] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
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Schwendener N, Mund M, Jackowski C. Type II DeBakey dissection with complete aortic rupture visualized by unenhanced postmortem imaging. Forensic Sci Int 2012; 225:67-70. [PMID: 23021107 DOI: 10.1016/j.forsciint.2012.09.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/29/2012] [Revised: 08/16/2012] [Accepted: 09/05/2012] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
We present postmortem computed tomography (pmCT) as well as postmortem magnetic resonance (pmMR) imaging findings in a case of type II DeBakey aortic dissection with a complete rupture of the ascending aorta compared to the findings obtained at forensic autopsy. PmCT only allowed a presumptive diagnosis of aortic dissection based on an anterior mediastinal enlargement. However, at pmMR the dissection including the aortic rupture was clearly visible. Visualization was realized in an unenhanced manner without the need for postmortem angiography.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicole Schwendener
- Center for Forensic Imaging, Institute of Forensic Medicine, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland.
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Smekal D, Hansen T, Sandler H, Rubertsson S. Comparison of computed tomography and autopsy in detection of injuries after unsuccessful cardiopulmonary resuscitation. Resuscitation 2012; 84:357-60. [PMID: 22776515 DOI: 10.1016/j.resuscitation.2012.06.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2012] [Revised: 06/14/2012] [Accepted: 06/24/2012] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
Abstract
AIM Computed tomography (CT) has been suggested as an aid or even a replacement for autopsy. The aim of this trial was to study the conformity of the two methods in finding injuries in non-surviving patients after unsuccessful cardiopulmonary resuscitation. METHODS In this prospective study, 31 patients were submitted to a CT prior to autopsy after unsuccessful resuscitation attempts. Pathological findings were noted by both the radiologist and the pathologists in a specified protocol. The pathologists and radiologist were blinded from each other's results. RESULTS CT and autopsy revealed rib fractures in 22 and 24 patients respectively (kappa=0.83). In 8 patients, CT revealed more rib fractures than autopsy; and in 12 patients, autopsy revealed more rib fractures than CT. In 7 patients, neither method showed any rib fractures. The mean difference between the two methods in detecting rib fractures was 0.16 (S.D.: ± 3.174, limits of agreement: -6.19 to 6.51). The kappa value for sternal fractures was 0.49. A total of 260 pathological findings were noted by CT and 244 by autopsy. The average patient showed a median of 9 injuries (every fracture counted as one injury), independent of the method used in detecting the injuries. CONCLUSIONS There was a strong concordance between the two methods in finding rib fractures but not sternal fractures and these results support the concept of CT as a valuable complement to autopsy in detecting rib fractures after unsuccessful cardiopulmonary resuscitation but not as a replacement. Other injuries did not show the same concordance.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Smekal
- Department of Surgical Sciences - Anaesthesiology & Intensive Care, Uppsala University, S-751 85 Uppsala, Sweden.
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Zerlauth JB, Doenz F, Dominguez A, Palmiere C, Uské A, Meuli R, Grabherr S. Surgical interventions with fatal outcome: utility of multi-phase postmortem CT angiography. Forensic Sci Int 2012; 225:32-41. [PMID: 22721937 DOI: 10.1016/j.forsciint.2012.05.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2012] [Revised: 04/27/2012] [Accepted: 05/16/2012] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Cases of fatal outcome after surgical intervention are autopsied to determine the cause of death and to investigate whether medical error caused or contributed to the death. For medico-legal purposes, it is imperative that autopsy findings are documented clearly. Modern imaging techniques such as multi-detector computed tomography (MDCT) and postmortem CT angiography, which is used for vascular system imaging, are useful tools for determining cause of death. The aim of this study was to determine the utility of postmortem CT angiography for the medico-legal death investigation. This study investigated 10 medico-legal cases with a fatal outcome after surgical intervention using multi-phase postmortem whole body CT angiography. A native CT scan was performed as well as three angiographic phases (arterial, venous, and dynamic) using a Virtangio(®) perfusion device and the oily contrast agent, Angiofil(®). The results of conventional autopsy were compared to those from the radiological investigations. We also investigated whether the radiological findings affected the final interpretation of cause-of-death. Causes of death were hemorrhagic shock, intracerebral hemorrhage, septic shock, and a combination of hemorrhage and blood aspiration. The diagnoses were made by conventional autopsy as well as by postmortem CT angiography. Hemorrhage played an important role in eight of ten cases. The radiological exam revealed the exact source of bleeding in seven of the eight cases, whereas conventional autopsy localized the source of bleeding only generally in five of the seven cases. In one case, neither conventional autopsy nor CT angiography identified the source of hemorrhage. We conclude that postmortem CT angiography is extremely useful for investigating deaths following surgical interventions. This technique helps document autopsy findings and allows a second examination if it is needed; specifically, it detects and visualizes the sources of hemorrhages in detail, which is often of particular interest in such cases.
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Affiliation(s)
- J-B Zerlauth
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, University Hospital of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland.
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Palmiere C, Binaghi S, Doenz F, Bize P, Chevallier C, Mangin P, Grabherr S. Detection of hemorrhage source: the diagnostic value of post-mortem CT-angiography. Forensic Sci Int 2012; 222:33-9. [PMID: 22621794 DOI: 10.1016/j.forsciint.2012.04.031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2011] [Revised: 03/08/2012] [Accepted: 04/25/2012] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
The aim of this study was to compare the diagnostic value of post-mortem computed tomography angiography (PMCTA) to conventional, ante-mortem computed tomography (CT)-scan, CT-angiography (CTA) and digital subtraction angiography (DSA) in the detection and localization of the source of bleeding in cases of acute hemorrhage with fatal outcomes. The medical records and imaging scans of nine individuals who underwent a conventional, ante-mortem CT-scan, CTA or DSA and later died in the hospital as a result of an acute hemorrhage were reviewed. Post-mortem computed tomography angiography, using multi-phase post-mortem CTA, as well as medico-legal autopsies were performed. Localization accuracy of the bleeding was assessed by comparing the diagnostic findings of the different techniques. The results revealed that data from ante-mortem and post-mortem radiological examinations were similar, though the PMCTA showed a higher sensitivity for detecting the hemorrhage source than did ante-mortem radiological investigations. By comparing the results of PMCTA and conventional autopsy, much higher sensitivity was noted in PMCTA in identifying the source of the bleeding. In fact, the vessels involved were identified in eight out of nine cases using PMCTA and only in three cases through conventional autopsy. Our study showed that PMCTA, similar to clinical radiological investigations, is able to precisely identify lesions of arterial and/or venous vessels and thus determine the source of bleeding in cases of acute hemorrhages with fatal outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Palmiere
- University Center of Legal Medicine Lausanne-Geneva, University of Lausanne, Rue du Bugnon 21, CH-1011 Lausanne, Switzerland.
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Lundström C, Persson A, Ross S, Ljung P, Lindholm S, Gyllensvärd F, Ynnerman A. State-of-the-art of visualization in post-mortem imaging. APMIS 2012; 120:316-26. [PMID: 22429214 DOI: 10.1111/j.1600-0463.2011.02857.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Autopsies constitute a valuable feedback to the healthcare chain to achieve improvements in quality of care and cost effectiveness. This review describes post-mortem imaging, which has emerged as an important part of the pathology toolbox. A broad range of visualization aspects within post-mortem imaging are covered. General state-of-the-art overviews of the components in the visualization pipeline are complemented by in-depth descriptions of methods developed by the authors and our collaborators. The forensic field is represented and related to, as it is spearheading much development in post-mortem imaging. Other topics are workflow, imaging data acquisition, and visualization rendering technology. All in all, this review shows the mature state of visual analysis for a non- or minimal-invasive investigation of the deceased patient.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claes Lundström
- Center for Medical Image Science and Visualization, Linköping University, Sweden.
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Kasahara S, Makino Y, Hayakawa M, Yajima D, Ito H, Iwase H. Diagnosable and non-diagnosable causes of death by postmortem computed tomography: a review of 339 forensic cases. Leg Med (Tokyo) 2012; 14:239-45. [PMID: 22542337 DOI: 10.1016/j.legalmed.2012.03.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2012] [Revised: 03/27/2012] [Accepted: 03/28/2012] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
Abstract
Postmortem computed tomography (PMCT) is often used to diagnose causes of death, especially in nations with a low autopsy rate. To identify the causes of death that can and cannot be determined by PMCT, imaging findings were reviewed in 339 consecutive forensic autopsy cases. Causes of death could be determined based on PMCT findings alone in 7% of these cases, based on suggestive PMCT findings with additional information in 54%, and could not be determined by PMCT in 38%. PMCT screening may be useful for establishment of some causes of death, including traumatic intracranial hematoma, endogenous intracranial hemorrhage, and some cases of cardiac rupture. Suggestive findings from PMCT in other cases, such as those involving subarachnoid hemorrhage or pericardial hematoma, can lead to misdiagnosis and may be a pitfall of PMCT screening. Causes of death including some cases of cervical cord injuries, asphyxiation, burn, drug intoxication, acute myocardial infarction, and pulmonary thromboembolism cannot be diagnosed using PMCT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shiori Kasahara
- Department of Legal Medicine, Graduate School of Medicine, Chiba University, Inohana 1-8-1, Chuo-ku, Chiba City, Chiba Prefecture 260-8670, Japan
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Background and current status of postmortem imaging in Japan: short history of "Autopsy imaging (Ai)". Forensic Sci Int 2012; 225:3-8. [PMID: 22480884 DOI: 10.1016/j.forsciint.2012.03.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 70] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2012] [Revised: 03/02/2012] [Accepted: 03/06/2012] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
There is a low autopsy rate and wide distribution of computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scanners in Japan. Therefore, many Japanese hospitals, including 36% of the hospitals with in-patient facilities and 89% of large hospitals with ER facilities conduct postmortem imaging (PMI), use clinical scanners to screen for causes in unusual deaths as an alternative to an autopsy or to determine whether an autopsy is needed. The Japanese PMI examination procedure is generally referred to as "autopsy imaging" (Ai) and the term "Ai" is now commonly used by the Japanese government. Currently, 26 of 47 Japanese prefectures have at least one Ai Center with scanners that are dedicated for PMI. Here, we briefly review the history of Japanese PMI (Ai) from 1985 to the present.
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