1
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Scharinger B, Boxhammer E, Rezar R, Hecht S, Wernly S, Widhalm T, Lichtenauer M, Hoppe UC, Hergan K, Wernly B, Strohmer B, Kaufmann R. Cardiac MRI after Sudden Cardiac Arrest: A Systematic Review. Radiol Cardiothorac Imaging 2024; 6:e230216. [PMID: 38634744 PMCID: PMC11056749 DOI: 10.1148/ryct.230216] [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: 06/20/2023] [Revised: 01/08/2024] [Accepted: 03/06/2024] [Indexed: 04/19/2024]
Abstract
Purpose To perform a systematic review to assess the diagnostic and prognostic value of cardiac MRI after sudden cardiac arrest (SCA). Materials and Methods PubMed and Cochrane Library databases were systematically searched for studies investigating cardiac MRI after SCA in adult patients (≥18 years of age). The time frame of the encompassed studies spans from January 2012 to January 2023. The study protocol was preregistered in OSF Registries (www.osf.io/nxaev), and the systematic review was performed following Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. The quality of the included studies was evaluated using the Newcastle-Ottawa quality assessment scale. Results Fourteen studies involving 1367 individuals, 1257 (91.9%) of whom underwent cardiac MRI, were included. Inconsistent findings were reported on the diagnostic value of cardiac MRI-specific findings. The included studies demonstrated the following main findings: (a) cardiac MRI led to a new or alternative diagnosis in patients with SCA; (b) cardiac MRI identified pathologic or arrhythmogenic substrates; (c) cardiac MRI helped detect myocardial edema (potentially reversible); (d) cardiac MRI provided evidence for the occurrence of adverse events; and (e) functional markers or ventricular dimensions were considered prognostically relevant in a few studies. Relevant challenges in this systematic review were the lack of comparators and reference standards relative to cardiac MRI as the index test and patient selection bias. Conclusion Cardiac MRI following SCA can contribute to the diagnostic process and offer supplementary information essential for treatment planning. Limitations of the review include studies with insufficient comparators and potential bias in patient selection. Systematic review registration link: osf.io/nxaev Keywords: Cardiac MRI, Cardiovascular Disease, Cardiomyopathy, Ischemia, Myocardial Edema, Sudden Cardiac Arrest © RSNA, 2024.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Richard Rezar
- From the Department of Radiology (B. Scharinger, S.H., K.H., R.K.),
Department of Internal Medicine II, Division of Cardiology (E.B., R.R., T.W.,
M.L., U.C.H., B. Strohmer), and Center for Public Health and Healthcare Research
(B.W.), Paracelsus Medical University, 5110 Oberndorf, 5020 Salzburg, Austria;
and Department of Internal Medicine, General Hospital of Oberndorf, Oberndorf,
Austria (S.W., B.W.)
| | - Stefan Hecht
- From the Department of Radiology (B. Scharinger, S.H., K.H., R.K.),
Department of Internal Medicine II, Division of Cardiology (E.B., R.R., T.W.,
M.L., U.C.H., B. Strohmer), and Center for Public Health and Healthcare Research
(B.W.), Paracelsus Medical University, 5110 Oberndorf, 5020 Salzburg, Austria;
and Department of Internal Medicine, General Hospital of Oberndorf, Oberndorf,
Austria (S.W., B.W.)
| | - Sarah Wernly
- From the Department of Radiology (B. Scharinger, S.H., K.H., R.K.),
Department of Internal Medicine II, Division of Cardiology (E.B., R.R., T.W.,
M.L., U.C.H., B. Strohmer), and Center for Public Health and Healthcare Research
(B.W.), Paracelsus Medical University, 5110 Oberndorf, 5020 Salzburg, Austria;
and Department of Internal Medicine, General Hospital of Oberndorf, Oberndorf,
Austria (S.W., B.W.)
| | - Tobias Widhalm
- From the Department of Radiology (B. Scharinger, S.H., K.H., R.K.),
Department of Internal Medicine II, Division of Cardiology (E.B., R.R., T.W.,
M.L., U.C.H., B. Strohmer), and Center for Public Health and Healthcare Research
(B.W.), Paracelsus Medical University, 5110 Oberndorf, 5020 Salzburg, Austria;
and Department of Internal Medicine, General Hospital of Oberndorf, Oberndorf,
Austria (S.W., B.W.)
| | - Michael Lichtenauer
- From the Department of Radiology (B. Scharinger, S.H., K.H., R.K.),
Department of Internal Medicine II, Division of Cardiology (E.B., R.R., T.W.,
M.L., U.C.H., B. Strohmer), and Center for Public Health and Healthcare Research
(B.W.), Paracelsus Medical University, 5110 Oberndorf, 5020 Salzburg, Austria;
and Department of Internal Medicine, General Hospital of Oberndorf, Oberndorf,
Austria (S.W., B.W.)
| | - Uta C. Hoppe
- From the Department of Radiology (B. Scharinger, S.H., K.H., R.K.),
Department of Internal Medicine II, Division of Cardiology (E.B., R.R., T.W.,
M.L., U.C.H., B. Strohmer), and Center for Public Health and Healthcare Research
(B.W.), Paracelsus Medical University, 5110 Oberndorf, 5020 Salzburg, Austria;
and Department of Internal Medicine, General Hospital of Oberndorf, Oberndorf,
Austria (S.W., B.W.)
| | - Klaus Hergan
- From the Department of Radiology (B. Scharinger, S.H., K.H., R.K.),
Department of Internal Medicine II, Division of Cardiology (E.B., R.R., T.W.,
M.L., U.C.H., B. Strohmer), and Center for Public Health and Healthcare Research
(B.W.), Paracelsus Medical University, 5110 Oberndorf, 5020 Salzburg, Austria;
and Department of Internal Medicine, General Hospital of Oberndorf, Oberndorf,
Austria (S.W., B.W.)
| | - Bernhard Wernly
- From the Department of Radiology (B. Scharinger, S.H., K.H., R.K.),
Department of Internal Medicine II, Division of Cardiology (E.B., R.R., T.W.,
M.L., U.C.H., B. Strohmer), and Center for Public Health and Healthcare Research
(B.W.), Paracelsus Medical University, 5110 Oberndorf, 5020 Salzburg, Austria;
and Department of Internal Medicine, General Hospital of Oberndorf, Oberndorf,
Austria (S.W., B.W.)
| | - Bernhard Strohmer
- From the Department of Radiology (B. Scharinger, S.H., K.H., R.K.),
Department of Internal Medicine II, Division of Cardiology (E.B., R.R., T.W.,
M.L., U.C.H., B. Strohmer), and Center for Public Health and Healthcare Research
(B.W.), Paracelsus Medical University, 5110 Oberndorf, 5020 Salzburg, Austria;
and Department of Internal Medicine, General Hospital of Oberndorf, Oberndorf,
Austria (S.W., B.W.)
| | - Reinhard Kaufmann
- From the Department of Radiology (B. Scharinger, S.H., K.H., R.K.),
Department of Internal Medicine II, Division of Cardiology (E.B., R.R., T.W.,
M.L., U.C.H., B. Strohmer), and Center for Public Health and Healthcare Research
(B.W.), Paracelsus Medical University, 5110 Oberndorf, 5020 Salzburg, Austria;
and Department of Internal Medicine, General Hospital of Oberndorf, Oberndorf,
Austria (S.W., B.W.)
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2
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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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3
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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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4
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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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5
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Application of postmortem MRI for identification of medulla oblongata contusion as a cause of death: a case report. Int J Legal Med 2023; 137:115-121. [PMID: 36303078 DOI: 10.1007/s00414-022-02909-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2022] [Accepted: 10/19/2022] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
Whiplash injury is common in traffic accidents, and severe whiplash is characterized by cervical spinal cord injuries with cervical dislocation or fracture, that can be diagnosed by postmortem computed tomography (PMCT), postmortem magnetic resonance (PMMR), or conventional autopsy. However, for cervical spinal cord injury without fracture and dislocation, PMMR can be more informative because it provides higher resolution of soft tissues. We report the case of a 29-year-old male who died immediately following a traffic accident, in which the vehicle hit an obstacle at a high speed, causing deformation of the bumper and severe damage of the vehicle body. PMCT indicated no significant injuries or diseases related to death, but PMMR showed patchy abnormal signals in the medulla oblongata, and the lower edge of the cerebellar tonsil was herniated out of the foramen magnum. The subsequent pathological and histological results confirmed that death was caused by medulla oblongata contusion combined with cerebellar tonsillar herniation. Our description of this case of a rare but fatal whiplash injury in which there was no fracture or dislocation provides a better understanding of the potentially fatal consequences of cervical spinal cord whiplash injury without fracture or dislocation and of the underlying lethal mechanisms. Compared with PMCT, PMMR provides important diagnostic information in forensic practice for the identification of soft tissue injuries, and is therefore an important imaging modality for diagnosis of whiplash injury when there is no fracture or dislocation.
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6
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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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7
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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: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [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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8
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Bertozzi G, Cafarelli FP, Ferrara M, Di Fazio N, Guglielmi G, Cipolloni L, Manetti F, La Russa R, Fineschi V. Sudden Cardiac Death and Ex-Situ Post-Mortem Cardiac Magnetic Resonance Imaging: A Morphological Study Based on Diagnostic Correlation Methodology. Diagnostics (Basel) 2022; 12:diagnostics12010218. [PMID: 35054385 PMCID: PMC8774558 DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics12010218] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/01/2022] [Revised: 01/07/2022] [Accepted: 01/12/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
During the last years, post-mortem imaging has gradually been assumed within research in the field of forensic pathology. This role appears to be clearly and simply applied in the trauma field with the use of conventional radiography or Post Mortem Computed Tomography (PMCT). Recently, particular attention was paid to cardiovascular imaging using Post Mortem Magnetic Resonance Imaging (PMMRI). The present experimental study aims to: (i) confirm the efficacy of a Post Mortem Cardiac Resonance Imaging (PMCRI) study protocol for the study of human hearts collected during the autopsy; (ii) apply the defined protocol on subjects who died of “SCD (sudden cardiac death)”, to identify alterations that could guide subsequent sampling. Two hearts of healthy subjects (A: male 22 years; B: female 26 years), who died from causes other than SCD were collected and compared to hearts that belonged to SCD individuals (C: male, 47 years old; D: female, 44 years old; E: male; 72 years old). The exams were performed on a 1.5 T scanner (Philips Intera Achieva, Best, the Netherlands) on hearts collected during autopsy and after a 30-day formalin fixation. Two readers analyzed the obtained images blindly and after randomization. From the comparison between the data from imaging and the macroscopic and histological investigations carried out, the present study proved the effectiveness of a PMMRI protocol to study ex-situ hearts. Moreover, it suggested the following semeiology in post-mortem SCD cases: the hyperintense area with indistinct margins in the Short Tau Inversion Recovery (STIR) sequence was linked to edema or area of pathological fibers, whereas the hypointense area in the T2-FFE sequences was linked to fibrosis. PMMRI can provide a valuable benefit to post-mortem investigations, helping to distinctly improve the success rate of histological sampling and investigations, which remains the gold standard in the diagnosis of sudden death.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giuseppe Bertozzi
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Foggia, 71100 Foggia, Italy; (G.B.); (F.P.C.); (G.G.); (L.C.); (R.L.R.)
| | - Francesco Pio Cafarelli
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Foggia, 71100 Foggia, Italy; (G.B.); (F.P.C.); (G.G.); (L.C.); (R.L.R.)
| | - Michela Ferrara
- Department of Anatomical, Histological, Forensic and Orthopedic Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy; (M.F.); (N.D.F.); (F.M.)
| | - Nicola Di Fazio
- Department of Anatomical, Histological, Forensic and Orthopedic Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy; (M.F.); (N.D.F.); (F.M.)
| | - Giuseppe Guglielmi
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Foggia, 71100 Foggia, Italy; (G.B.); (F.P.C.); (G.G.); (L.C.); (R.L.R.)
| | - Luigi Cipolloni
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Foggia, 71100 Foggia, Italy; (G.B.); (F.P.C.); (G.G.); (L.C.); (R.L.R.)
| | - Federico Manetti
- Department of Anatomical, Histological, Forensic and Orthopedic Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy; (M.F.); (N.D.F.); (F.M.)
| | - Raffaele La Russa
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Foggia, 71100 Foggia, Italy; (G.B.); (F.P.C.); (G.G.); (L.C.); (R.L.R.)
| | - Vittorio Fineschi
- Department of Anatomical, Histological, Forensic and Orthopedic Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy; (M.F.); (N.D.F.); (F.M.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-06-4991-2722
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Heinemann A. Death at Hospital and Medical Liability: Investigation of Medical Interventions with Fatal Outcome by Post-mortem Computed Tomography. FORENSIC IMAGING 2022. [DOI: 10.1007/978-3-030-83352-7_12] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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10
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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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11
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Arnold I, Schwendener N, Lombardo P, Jackowski C, Zech WD. 3Tesla post-mortem MRI quantification of anatomical brain structures. Forensic Sci Int 2021; 327:110984. [PMID: 34482282 DOI: 10.1016/j.forsciint.2021.110984] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2020] [Revised: 03/04/2021] [Accepted: 08/17/2021] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
Quantitative post-mortem magnetic resonance imaging (PMMR) allows for measurement of T1 and T2 relaxation times and proton density (PD) of brain tissue. Quantitative PMMR values may be used for advanced post-mortem neuro-imaging diagnostics such as computer aided diagnosis. So far, the quantitative T1, T2 and PD post-mortem values of regular anatomical brain structures were unknown for a 3 Tesla PMMR application. The goal of this basic research study was to evaluate the quantitative values of post-mortem brain structures for a 3 T post-mortem magnetic resonance application with regard to various corpse temperatures. In 50 forensic cases, a quantitative PMMR brain sequence was applied prior to autopsy. Measurements of T1 (in ms), T2 (in ms), and PD (in %) values of cerebrum (Group 1: frontal grey matter, frontal white matter, thalamus, caudate nucleus, globus pallidus, putamen, internal capsule) brainstem and cerebellum (Group 2: cerebral peduncle, substantia nigra, red nucleus, pons, middle cerebellar peduncle, cerebellar hemisphere, medulla oblongata) were conducted in synthetically calculated axial PMMR brain images. Assessed quantitative values were corrected for corpse temperature. Temperature dependence was observed mainly for T1 values. ANOVA testing resulted in significant differences of quantitative values between the investigated anatomical brain structures in both groups. It can be concluded that temperature corrected 3 Tesla PMMR T1, T2 and PD values are feasible for characterization and discrimination of regular anatomical brain structures. This may provide a base for future advanced diagnostics of forensically relevant brain lesions and pathology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isabel Arnold
- Institute of Forensic Medicine, University of Bern, Switzerland
| | | | - Paolo Lombardo
- Institute of Forensic Medicine, University of Bern, Switzerland; Department of Diagnostic, Interventional and Pediatric Radiology, University of Bern, Inselspital Bern, Switzerland
| | | | - Wolf-Dieter Zech
- Institute of Forensic Medicine, University of Bern, Switzerland.
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12
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13
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Ex situ heart magnetic resonance imaging and angiography: feasibility study for forensic purposes. FORENSIC IMAGING 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.fri.2021.200442] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
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14
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Clinical Relevance of Unexpected Findings of Post-Mortem Computed Tomography in Hospitalized Patients: An Observational Study. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2020; 17:ijerph17207572. [PMID: 33081003 PMCID: PMC7589901 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph17207572] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2020] [Revised: 10/06/2020] [Accepted: 10/14/2020] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
Background and objective: The current literature describing the use of minimally invasive autopsy in clinical care is mainly focused on the cause of death. However, the identification of unexpected findings is equally important for the evaluation and improvement of daily clinical care. The purpose of this study was to analyze unexpected post-mortem computed tomography (PMCT) findings of hospitalized patients and assess their clinical relevance. Materials and methods: This observational study included patients admitted to the internal medicine ward. Consent for PMCT and autopsy was requested from the next of kin. Decedents were included when consent for at least PMCT was obtained. Consent for autopsy was not obtained for all decedents. All findings reported by PMCT were coded with an International Classification of Diseases (ICD) code. Unexpected findings were identified and subsequently categorized for their clinical relevance by the Goldman classification. Goldman class I and III were considered clinically relevant. Additionally, correlation with autopsy results and ante-mortem imaging was performed. Results: In total, 120 decedents were included and evaluated for unexpected findings on PMCT. Of them, 57 decedents also underwent an autopsy. A total of 1020 findings were identified; 111 correlated with the cause of death (10.9%), 508 were previously reported (49.8%), 99 were interpreted as post-mortem changes (9.7%), and 302 were classified as unexpected findings (29.6%). After correlation with autopsy (in 57 decedents), 24 clinically relevant unexpected findings remained. These findings were reported in 18 of 57 decedents (32%). Interestingly, 25% of all unexpected findings were not reported by autopsy. Conclusion: Many unexpected findings are reported by PMCT in hospitalized patients, a substantial portion of which is clinically relevant. Additionally, PMCT is able to identify pathology and injuries not reported by conventional autopsy. A combination of PMCT and autopsy can thus be considered a more comprehensive and complete post-mortem examination.
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15
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Xia ZY, Bruguier C, Dedouit F, Grabherr S, Augsburger M, Liu BB. Oleic Acid (OA), A Potential Dual Contrast Agent for Postmortem MR Angiography (PMMRA): A Pilot Study. Curr Med Sci 2020; 40:786-794. [PMID: 32862391 DOI: 10.1007/s11596-020-2244-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2019] [Accepted: 05/19/2020] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
Choosing proper perfusates as contrast agents is an important aspect for postmortem magnetic resonance angiography (PMMRA). However, in this emerging field, the number of suitable kinds of liquid is still very limited. The objective of this research is to compare MR images of oleic acid (OA) with paraffin oil (PO) in vitro and in ex situ animal hearts, in order to evaluate the feasibility to use OA as a novel contrast agent for PMMRA. In vitro, OA, PO and water (control) were introduced into three tubes separately and T1weighted-spin echo (T1w-SE) and T2w-SE images were acquired on a 1.5T MR scanner. In the second experiment, OA and PO were injected into left coronary artery (LCA) and left ventricle (LV) of ex situ bovine hearts and their T1w-SE, T2w-SE, T1w-multipoint Dixon (T1w-mDixon) and 3DT2w-mDixon images were acquired. The overall results indicate that OA may have a potential to be used as a dual (T1 and T2 based) contrast agent for PMMRA when proper sequence parameters are utilized. However, as the pilot study was based on limited number of animal hearts, more researches using OA in cadavers are needed to validate our findings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhi-Yuan Xia
- Institute of Evidence Law and Forensic Science, China University of Political Science and Law (CUPL), Key Laboratory of Evidence Law and Forensic Science, Ministry of Education, Beijing, 100088, China.
| | - Christine Bruguier
- University Center of Legal Medicine, Lausanne-Geneva (CURML), Lausanne, CH1000, Switzerland
| | - Fabrice Dedouit
- Service de Médecine Légale, Hôpital de Rangueil, Toulouse, 50032, France
| | - Silke Grabherr
- University Center of Legal Medicine, Lausanne-Geneva (CURML), Lausanne, CH1000, Switzerland
| | - Marc Augsburger
- University Center of Legal Medicine, Lausanne-Geneva (CURML), Lausanne, CH1000, Switzerland
| | - Bei-Bei Liu
- Dian Research Center for Postmortem Imaging & Angiography, Beijing, 100192, China
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16
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Saitou H, Shiotani S, Kobayashi T, Hayakawa H. Approaching the forensic significance of possible PMMR correlates in a case of assumed cardiac rigor mortis. FORENSIC IMAGING 2020. [DOI: 10.1016/j.fri.2020.200374] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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17
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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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Shenasa M, Razavi SM, Shenasa H, Al-Ahmad A. The Ideal Cardiac Mapping System. Card Electrophysiol Clin 2019; 11:739-748. [PMID: 31706480 DOI: 10.1016/j.ccep.2019.08.015] [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] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Cardiac mapping has witnessed significant and unprecedented progress over more than a century. At present, several mapping/imaging technologies are commercially available, alone or in combination. This article briefly discusses the advantages and limitations (disadvantages) of each technique.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammad Shenasa
- Department of Cardiovascular Services, Heart and Rhythm Medical Group, O'Connor Hospital, San Jose, CA 95030, USA.
| | - Seyed-Mostafa Razavi
- Department of Cardiovascular Services, Heart and Rhythm Medical Group, O'Connor Hospital, San Jose, CA 95030, USA
| | - Hossein Shenasa
- Department of Cardiovascular Services, Heart and Rhythm Medical Group, O'Connor Hospital, San Jose, CA 95030, USA
| | - Amin Al-Ahmad
- Texas Cardiac Arrhythmia Institute, 3000 North IH35, Suite 700, Austin, TX 78705, USA
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19
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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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20
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Pinchi E, Frati P, Aromatario M, Cipolloni L, Fabbri M, La Russa R, Maiese A, Neri M, Santurro A, Scopetti M, Viola RV, Turillazzi E, Fineschi V. miR-1, miR-499 and miR-208 are sensitive markers to diagnose sudden death due to early acute myocardial infarction. J Cell Mol Med 2019; 23:6005-6016. [PMID: 31240830 PMCID: PMC6714215 DOI: 10.1111/jcmm.14463] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2019] [Revised: 05/02/2019] [Accepted: 05/15/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are strongly up-regulated under pathological stress and in a wide range of diseases. In recent years, miRNAs are under investigation for their potential use as biomarkers in cardiovascular diseases. We investigate whether specific cardio-miRNAs are overexpressed in heart samples from subjects deceased for acute myocardial infarction (AMI) or sudden cardiac death (SCD), and whether miRNA could help differentiate between them. Forty four cases of death due to cardiovascular disease were selected, respectively, 19 cases categorized as AMI and 25 as SCD. Eighteen cases of traumatic death without pathological cardiac involvement were selected as control. Immunohistochemical investigation was performed for CD15, IL-15, Cx43, MCP-1, tryptase, troponin C and troponin I. Reverse transcription and quantitative real-time PCR were performed for miR-1, miR-133, miR-208 and miR-499. In AMI group, stronger immunoreaction for the CD15, IL-15 and MCP-1 antibodies was detectable compared with SCD and control. Cx43 showed a negative reaction with respect to the other groups. Real-time PCR results showed a down-regulation of all miRNAs in the AMI group compared with SCD and control. The selected miRNAs presented high accuracy in discriminating SCD from AMI (miR-1 and miR-499) and AMI from control (miR-208) representing a potential aid for both clinicians and pathologists for differential diagnosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Enrica Pinchi
- Department of Anatomical, Histological, Forensic and Orthopaedic SciencesSapienza University of RomeRomeItaly
| | - Paola Frati
- Department of Anatomical, Histological, Forensic and Orthopaedic SciencesSapienza University of RomeRomeItaly
- IRCSS Neuromed Mediterranean Neurological InstitutePozzilliItaly
| | - Mariarosaria Aromatario
- Department of Anatomical, Histological, Forensic and Orthopaedic SciencesSapienza University of RomeRomeItaly
| | - Luigi Cipolloni
- Department of Anatomical, Histological, Forensic and Orthopaedic SciencesSapienza University of RomeRomeItaly
| | - Matteo Fabbri
- Department of Morphology, Experimental Medicine and SurgeryUniversity of FerraraFerraraItaly
| | - Raffaele La Russa
- Department of Anatomical, Histological, Forensic and Orthopaedic SciencesSapienza University of RomeRomeItaly
- IRCSS Neuromed Mediterranean Neurological InstitutePozzilliItaly
| | - Aniello Maiese
- Department of Anatomical, Histological, Forensic and Orthopaedic SciencesSapienza University of RomeRomeItaly
| | - Margherita Neri
- Department of Morphology, Experimental Medicine and SurgeryUniversity of FerraraFerraraItaly
| | - Alessandro Santurro
- Department of Anatomical, Histological, Forensic and Orthopaedic SciencesSapienza University of RomeRomeItaly
| | - Matteo Scopetti
- Department of Anatomical, Histological, Forensic and Orthopaedic SciencesSapienza University of RomeRomeItaly
| | - Rocco Valerio Viola
- Department of Anatomical, Histological, Forensic and Orthopaedic SciencesSapienza University of RomeRomeItaly
| | - Emanuela Turillazzi
- Institute of Legal Medicine, Department of Surgical, Medical and Molecular Pathology and Critical Care MedicineUniversity of PisaPisaItaly
| | - Vittorio Fineschi
- Department of Anatomical, Histological, Forensic and Orthopaedic SciencesSapienza University of RomeRomeItaly
- IRCSS Neuromed Mediterranean Neurological InstitutePozzilliItaly
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22
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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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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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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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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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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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27
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Narayan SM, Wang PJ, Daubert JP. New Concepts in Sudden Cardiac Arrest to Address an Intractable Epidemic: JACC State-of-the-Art Review. J Am Coll Cardiol 2019; 73:70-88. [PMID: 30621954 PMCID: PMC6398445 DOI: 10.1016/j.jacc.2018.09.083] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2018] [Revised: 08/28/2018] [Accepted: 09/22/2018] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) is one of the largest causes of mortality globally, with an out-of-hospital survival below 10% despite intense research. This document outlines challenges in addressing the epidemic of SCA, along the framework of respond, understand and predict, and prevent. Response could be improved by technology-assisted orchestration of community responder systems, access to automated external defibrillators, and innovations to match resuscitation resources to victims in place and time. Efforts to understand and predict SCA may be enhanced by refining taxonomy along phenotypical and pathophysiological "axes of risk," extending beyond cardiovascular pathology to identify less heterogeneous cohorts, facilitated by open-data platforms and analytics including machine learning to integrate discoveries across disciplines. Prevention of SCA must integrate these concepts, recognizing that all members of society are stakeholders. Ultimately, solutions to the public health challenge of SCA will require greater awareness, societal debate and focused public policy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sanjiv M Narayan
- Department of Medicine, Division of Cardiology, Stanford University, Stanford, California.
| | - Paul J Wang
- Department of Medicine, Division of Cardiology, Stanford University, Stanford, California
| | - James P Daubert
- Department of Medicine, Division of Cardiology, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina
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28
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Fais P, Mazzotti MC, Montisci M, Palazzo C, Leone O, Cecchetto G, Viel G, Pelotti S. Post-mortem thermal angiography: a pilot study on swine coronary circulation. Int J Legal Med 2018; 133:571-581. [PMID: 30218174 DOI: 10.1007/s00414-018-1935-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2018] [Accepted: 09/07/2018] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
Abstract
Thermal imaging (TI) allows the detection of thermal patterns emitted from objects as a function of their temperature in the long-infrared spectrum and produces visible images displaying temperature differences. The aim of this pilot study was to test TI to visualize the coronary circulation of swine hearts. Thirty swine hearts were prepared for ex situ coronarography, and thermal images were acquired through a FlirOne thermal camera (FLIR Systems®) paired with a Google Android Smartphone. Coronary arteries were cannulated, namely the anterior interventricular artery, the circumflex branch of the left coronary artery, and the right coronary artery. The heart was cooled, and contrast medium (CM) consisting of distilled water heated to 40 °C was injected in a coronary vessel, while thermal images were captured. These steps were repeated for each coronary vessel and under experimentally simulated coronary heart disease. Thermal imaging coronarography (TIC) allowed a clear representation of the morphology and course of the coronary vessels and of experimentally simulated coronary heart disease, moreover, demonstrated to be easy to perform during or after autopsies on ex situ hearts, non-destructive, reproducible, and cheap. On the basis of these preliminary results, TIC might allow a subsequent more focused and comprehensive cardiopathological examination of the heart, which remains mandatory for the definitive diagnosis of coronary heart disease. Although these preliminary results seem encouraging, further systematic studies on human hearts, both normal and pathological, are necessary for estimating the sensitivity and specificity of the proposed method and to draw any definitive conclusion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paolo Fais
- DIMEC, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Bologna, 40126, Bologna, Italy
| | - Maria Carla Mazzotti
- DIMEC, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Bologna, 40126, Bologna, Italy
| | - Massimo Montisci
- Legal Medicine and Toxicology, University Hospital of Padova, Via Falloppio, 50, 35121, Padova, Italy
| | - Chiara Palazzo
- DIMEC, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Bologna, 40126, Bologna, Italy
| | - Ornella Leone
- Department of Pathology, Sant'Orsola-Malpighi University Hospital, Bologna, Italy
| | - Giovanni Cecchetto
- Legal Medicine and Toxicology, University Hospital of Padova, Via Falloppio, 50, 35121, Padova, Italy
| | - Guido Viel
- Legal Medicine and Toxicology, University Hospital of Padova, Via Falloppio, 50, 35121, Padova, Italy.
| | - Susi Pelotti
- DIMEC, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Bologna, 40126, Bologna, Italy
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30
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Visualization of Myocardial Infarction in Postmortem Multiphase Computed Tomography Angiography: A Feasibility Study. Am J Forensic Med Pathol 2018; 39:106-113. [PMID: 29438137 DOI: 10.1097/paf.0000000000000372] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
Recent studies have indicated that multiphase postmortem computed tomography angiography (MPMCTA) allows detection of a pathological enhancement of the myocardium in regions that correlate with the localization of the infarction at histology. The aim of this study was to verify this hypothesis by examining MPMCTA images in cases of myocardial infarction. Therefore, we investigated 10 autopsy cases where death was attributed to myocardial infarction or which showed cardiovascular pathology. As a control group, we selected 10 cases of non-natural (namely, not cardiac) death. The MPMCTA was performed in both groups to ascertain whether a pathological enhancement could be observed. We detected a myocardial enhancement in all cardiac death cases, in the same region that showed infarction at histology. No enhancement was observed in control cases. These results have important implications in the routine management of sudden cardiac death cases. In fact, MPMCTA can not only orient about the cause of death before autopsy, but can especially help to identify affected regions for guiding and improving the sampling for microscopic examination.
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31
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De Marco E, Vacchiano G, Frati P, La Russa R, Santurro A, Scopetti M, Guglielmi G, Fineschi V. Evolution of post-mortem coronary imaging: from selective coronary arteriography to post-mortem CT-angiography and beyond. Radiol Med 2018; 123:351-358. [PMID: 29357039 DOI: 10.1007/s11547-018-0855-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2017] [Accepted: 01/08/2018] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Since the 1970s, remarkable efforts have been made in the post-mortem coronary study, especially by angiography, as an added tool to diagnose heart-related deaths. In more recent times, post-mortem CT (PMCT) and post-mortem CT-angiography (PMCTA) have become an established practice in numerous forensic units, because of the undeniable advantages these diagnostic instruments can offer: data acquisition times are increasingly fast, costs have become lower and, once acquired, data can be re-utilized and re-evaluated at any given time. This review aims to chart the history of post-mortem cardiac imaging, highlighting its evolution both in terms of methodology and technology as well as the contribution that forensic radiology has been able to offer to forensic pathology, not as an alternative to autopsy but as a guide and aid when performing one. Finally, the latest advances in the study of cardiac deaths are explored, namely by cardiac post-mortem MRI (PMMR), able to visualize all the various stages of a myocardial infarction, post-mortem MRI-angiography (PMMRA), useful in investigating coronary artery pathology and post-mortem cardiac micro-CT, able to provide near-histological levels of myocardial, coronary and valvular detail.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emidio De Marco
- Department of Anatomical, Histological, Forensic and Orthopaedic Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Vacchiano
- Department of Law, Economics, Management and Quantitative Methods, University of Sannio, Benevento, Italy
| | - Paola Frati
- Department of Anatomical, Histological, Forensic and Orthopaedic Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
- Department of Law, Economics, Management and Quantitative Methods, University of Sannio, Benevento, Italy
- Malzoni Clinical-Scientific Institute, Avellino, Italy
| | - Raffaele La Russa
- Department of Anatomical, Histological, Forensic and Orthopaedic Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
- Department of Law, Economics, Management and Quantitative Methods, University of Sannio, Benevento, Italy
- Malzoni Clinical-Scientific Institute, Avellino, Italy
- IRCCS Neuromed, Pozzilli, Italy
| | - Alessandro Santurro
- Department of Anatomical, Histological, Forensic and Orthopaedic Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Matteo Scopetti
- Department of Anatomical, Histological, Forensic and Orthopaedic Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Guglielmi
- Department of Radiology, University of Foggia, Viale Luigi Pinto 1, 71100, Foggia, Italy.
| | - Vittorio Fineschi
- Department of Anatomical, Histological, Forensic and Orthopaedic Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
- Department of Law, Economics, Management and Quantitative Methods, University of Sannio, Benevento, Italy
- Malzoni Clinical-Scientific Institute, Avellino, Italy
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32
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El-Sherif N, Boutjdir M, Turitto G. Sudden Cardiac Death in Ischemic Heart Disease: Pathophysiology and Risk Stratification. Card Electrophysiol Clin 2017; 9:681-691. [PMID: 29173410 DOI: 10.1016/j.ccep.2017.08.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
Sudden cardiac death (SCD) accounts for approximately 360,000 deaths annually in the United States. Ischemic heart disease is the major cause of death in the general adult population. SCD can be due to arrhythmic or nonarrhythmic cardiac causes. Arrhythmic SCD may be caused by ventricular tachyarrhythmia or pulseless electrical activity/asystole. This article reviews the most recent pathophysiology and risk stratification strategies for SCD, emphasizing electrophysiologic surrogates of conduction disorder, dispersion of repolarization, and autonomic imbalance. Factors that modify arrhythmic death are addressed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nabil El-Sherif
- State University of New York, Downstate Medical Center, Brooklyn, NY, USA; New York Harbor VA Healthcare System, 800 Poly Place, Brooklyn, NY 11209, USA.
| | - Mohamed Boutjdir
- New York Harbor VA Healthcare System, 800 Poly Place, Brooklyn, NY 11209, USA
| | - Gioia Turitto
- New York Presbyterian - Brooklyn Methodist Hospital, Brooklyn, NY, USA
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Wagensveld IM, Blokker BM, Wielopolski PA, Renken NS, Krestin GP, Hunink MG, Oosterhuis JW, Weustink AC. Total-body CT and MR features of postmortem change in in-hospital deaths. PLoS One 2017; 12:e0185115. [PMID: 28953923 PMCID: PMC5617178 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0185115] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2017] [Accepted: 09/05/2017] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To evaluate the frequency of total-body CT and MR features of postmortem change in in-hospital deaths. MATERIALS AND METHODS In this prospective blinded cross-sectional study, in-hospital deceased adult patients underwent total-body postmortem CT and MR followed by image-guided biopsies. The presence of PMCT and PMMR features related to postmortem change was scored retrospectively and correlated with postmortem time interval, post-resuscitation status and intensive care unit (ICU) admittance. RESULTS Intravascular air, pleural effusion, periportal edema, and distended intestines occurred more frequently in patients who were resuscitated compared to those who were not. Postmortem clotting was seen less often in resuscitated patients (p = 0.002). Distended intestines and loss of grey-white matter differentiation in the brain showed a significant correlation with postmortem time interval (p = 0.001, p<0.001). Hyperdense cerebral vessels, intravenous clotting, subcutaneous edema, fluid in the abdomen and internal livores of the liver were seen more in ICU patients. Longer postmortem time interval led to a significant increase in decomposition related changes (p = 0.026). CONCLUSIONS There is a wide variety of imaging features of postmortem change in in-hospital deaths. These imaging features vary among clinical conditions, increase with longer postmortem time interval and must be distinguished from pathologic changes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ivo M. Wagensveld
- Department of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, Erasmus University Medical Centre, Rotterdam, Zuid-Holland, The Netherlands
- Department of Pathology, Erasmus University Medical Centre, Rotterdam, Zuid-Holland, The Netherlands
- * E-mail:
| | - Britt M. Blokker
- Department of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, Erasmus University Medical Centre, Rotterdam, Zuid-Holland, The Netherlands
- Department of Pathology, Erasmus University Medical Centre, Rotterdam, Zuid-Holland, The Netherlands
| | - Piotr A. Wielopolski
- Department of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, Erasmus University Medical Centre, Rotterdam, Zuid-Holland, The Netherlands
| | - Nomdo S. Renken
- Department of Radiology, Reinier de Graaf Gasthuis, Delft, Zuid-Holland, The Netherlands
| | - Gabriel P. Krestin
- Department of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, Erasmus University Medical Centre, Rotterdam, Zuid-Holland, The Netherlands
| | - Myriam G. Hunink
- Department of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, Erasmus University Medical Centre, Rotterdam, Zuid-Holland, The Netherlands
- Centre for Health Decision Science, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Harvard University, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - J. Wolter Oosterhuis
- Department of Pathology, Erasmus University Medical Centre, Rotterdam, Zuid-Holland, The Netherlands
| | - Annick C. Weustink
- Department of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, Erasmus University Medical Centre, Rotterdam, Zuid-Holland, The Netherlands
- Department of Pathology, Erasmus University Medical Centre, Rotterdam, Zuid-Holland, The Netherlands
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Basso C, Aguilera B, Banner J, Cohle S, d'Amati G, de Gouveia RH, di Gioia C, Fabre A, Gallagher PJ, Leone O, Lucena J, Mitrofanova L, Molina P, Parsons S, Rizzo S, Sheppard MN, Mier MPS, Kim Suvarna S, Thiene G, van der Wal A, Vink A, Michaud K. Guidelines for autopsy investigation of sudden cardiac death: 2017 update from the Association for European Cardiovascular Pathology. Virchows Arch 2017; 471:691-705. [PMID: 28889247 PMCID: PMC5711979 DOI: 10.1007/s00428-017-2221-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 310] [Impact Index Per Article: 44.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2017] [Revised: 08/10/2017] [Accepted: 08/13/2017] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Although sudden cardiac death (SCD) is one of the most important modes of death in Western countries, pathologists and public health physicians have not given this problem the attention it deserves. New methods of preventing potentially fatal arrhythmias have been developed and the accurate diagnosis of the causes of SCD is now of particular importance. Pathologists are responsible for determining the precise cause and mechanism of sudden death but there is still considerable variation in the way in which they approach this increasingly complex task. The Association for European Cardiovascular Pathology has developed these guidelines, which represent the minimum standard that is required in the routine autopsy practice for the adequate investigation of SCD. The present version is an update of our original article, published 10 years ago. This is necessary because of our increased understanding of the genetics of cardiovascular diseases, the availability of new diagnostic methods, and the experience we have gained from the routine use of the original guidelines. The updated guidelines include a detailed protocol for the examination of the heart and recommendations for the selection of histological blocks and appropriate material for toxicology, microbiology, biochemistry, and molecular investigation. Our recommendations apply to university medical centers, regionals hospitals, and all healthcare professionals practicing pathology and forensic medicine. We believe that their adoption throughout Europe will improve the standards of autopsy practice, allow meaningful comparisons between different communities and regions, and permit the identification of emerging patterns of diseases causing SCD. Finally, we recommend the development of regional multidisciplinary networks of cardiologists, geneticists, and pathologists. Their role will be to facilitate the identification of index cases with a genetic basis, to screen appropriate family members, and ensure that appropriate preventive strategies are implemented.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cristina Basso
- Cardiovascular Pathology, Department of Cardiac, Thoracic and Vascular Sciences, University of Padua, Padua, Italy.
| | - Beatriz Aguilera
- Histopathology Service, National Institute of Toxicology and Forensic Sciences, Madrid, Spain
| | - Jytte Banner
- Department of Forensic Medicine, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Stephan Cohle
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Grand Rapids, MI, USA
| | - Giulia d'Amati
- Department of Radiological, Oncological and Pathological Sciences, Sapienza, University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Rosa Henriques de Gouveia
- Department of Pathology, Hospital de Santa Cruz (CHLO), Lisbon & Forensic Pathology, INMLCF & FMUC, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Cira di Gioia
- Department of Radiological, Oncological and Pathological Sciences, Sapienza, University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Aurelie Fabre
- Department of Histopathology, St Vincent's University Hospital, University College Dublin School of Medicine, Dublin, Ireland
| | | | - Ornella Leone
- Department of Pathology, Sant'Orsola-Malpighi University Hospital, Bologna, Italy
| | - Joaquin Lucena
- Forensic Pathology Service, Institute of Legal Medicine and Forensic Sciences, Seville, Spain
| | - Lubov Mitrofanova
- Department of Pathology, Federal Almazov North-West Medical Research Centre, St. Petersburg, Russian Federation
| | - Pilar Molina
- Forensic Pathology Service, Institute of Legal Medicine and Forensic Sciences, Valencia, Spain
| | - Sarah Parsons
- Victorian Institute of Forensic Medicine and Monash University, Victoria, Australia
| | - Stefania Rizzo
- Cardiovascular Pathology, Department of Cardiac, Thoracic and Vascular Sciences, University of Padua, Padua, Italy
| | - Mary N Sheppard
- Department of Cardiovascular Pathology, St Georges Medical School, London, UK
| | - Maria Paz Suárez Mier
- Histopathology Service, National Institute of Toxicology and Forensic Sciences, Madrid, Spain
| | | | - Gaetano Thiene
- Cardiovascular Pathology, Department of Cardiac, Thoracic and Vascular Sciences, University of Padua, Padua, Italy
| | - Allard van der Wal
- Pathology, Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Aryan Vink
- Department of Pathology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Katarzyna Michaud
- University Hospital of Lausanne, University Center of Legal Medicine, Lausanne and Geneva, Chemin de la Vulliette 4, 25, 1000, Lausanne, Switzerland.
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Temperature-corrected post-mortem 1.5 T MRI quantification of non-pathologic upper abdominal organs. Int J Legal Med 2017. [DOI: 10.1007/s00414-017-1622-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
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Temperature-corrected postmortem 3-T MR quantification of histopathological early acute and chronic myocardial infarction: a feasibility study. Int J Legal Med 2017; 132:541-549. [PMID: 28612206 DOI: 10.1007/s00414-017-1614-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2017] [Accepted: 05/18/2017] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
The goal of the present study was to evaluate if quantitative postmortem cardiac 3-T magnetic resonance (QPMCMR) T1 and T2 relaxation times and proton density values of histopathological early acute and chronic myocardial infarction differ to the quantitative values of non-pathologic myocardium and other histopathological age stages of myocardial infarction with regard to varying corpse temperatures. In 60 forensic corpses (25 female, 35 male), a cardiac 3-T MR quantification sequence was performed prior to autopsy and cardiac dissection. Core body temperature was assessed during MR examinations. Focal myocardial signal alterations in synthetically generated MR images were measured for their T1, T2, and proton density (PD) values. Locations of signal alteration measurements in PMCMR were targeted at heart dissection, and myocardial tissue specimens were taken for histologic examinations. Quantified signal alterations in QPMCMR were correlated to their according histologic age stage of myocardial infarction, and quantitative values were corrected for a temperature of 37 °C. In QPMCMR, 49 myocardial signal alterations were detected in 43 of 60 investigated hearts. Signal alterations were diagnosed histologically as early acute (n = 16), acute (n = 10), acute with hemorrhagic component (n = 9), subacute (n = 3), and chronic (n = 11) myocardial infarction. Statistical analysis revealed that based on their temperature-corrected quantitative T1, T2, and PD values, a significant difference between early acute, acute, and chronic myocardial infarction can be determined. It can be concluded that quantitative 3-T postmortem cardiac MR based on temperature-corrected T1, T2, and PD values may be feasible for pre-autopsy diagnosis of histopathological early acute, acute, and chronic myocardial infarction, which needs to be confirmed histologically.
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Grabherr S, Egger C, Vilarino R, Campana L, Jotterand M, Dedouit F. Modern post-mortem imaging: an update on recent developments. Forensic Sci Res 2017; 2:52-64. [PMID: 30483621 PMCID: PMC6197109 DOI: 10.1080/20961790.2017.1330738] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2017] [Accepted: 05/05/2017] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Modern post-mortem investigations use an increasing number of digital imaging methods, which can be collected under the term "post-mortem imaging". Most methods of forensic imaging are from the radiology field and are therefore techniques that show the interior of the body with technologies such as X-ray or magnetic resonance imaging. To digitally image the surface of the body, other techniques are regularly applied, e.g. three-dimensional (3D) surface scanning (3DSS) or photogrammetry. Today's most frequently used techniques include post-mortem computed tomography (PMCT), post-mortem magnetic resonance imaging (PMMR), post-mortem computed tomographic angiography (PMCTA) and 3DSS or photogrammetry. Each of these methods has specific advantages and limitations. Therefore, the indications for using each method are different. While PMCT gives a rapid overview of the interior of the body and depicts the skeletal system and radiopaque foreign bodies, PMMR allows investigation of soft tissues and parenchymal organs. PMCTA is the method of choice for viewing the vascular system and detecting sources of bleeding. However, none of those radiological methods allow a detailed digital view of the body's surface, which makes 3DSS the best choice for such a purpose. If 3D surface scanners are not available, photogrammetry is an alternative. This review article gives an overview of different imaging techniques and explains their applications, advantages and limitations. We hope it will improve understanding of the methods.
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Affiliation(s)
- Silke Grabherr
- University Centre of Legal Medicine Lausanne-Geneva, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Coraline Egger
- University Centre of Legal Medicine Lausanne-Geneva, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Raquel Vilarino
- University Centre of Legal Medicine Lausanne-Geneva, Lausanne, Switzerland
- Service of Legal Medicine, Central Institute of Hospitals, Sion, Switzerland
| | - Lorenzo Campana
- University Centre of Legal Medicine Lausanne-Geneva, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Melissa Jotterand
- University Centre of Legal Medicine Lausanne-Geneva, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Fabrice Dedouit
- University Centre of Legal Medicine Lausanne-Geneva, Lausanne, Switzerland
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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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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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Schober D, Schwendener N, Zech WD, Jackowski C. Post-mortem CT: Hounsfield unit profiles obtained in the lungs with respect to the cause of death assessment. Int J Legal Med 2016; 131:199-210. [PMID: 27766411 DOI: 10.1007/s00414-016-1454-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2016] [Accepted: 09/15/2016] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Segmentation of the lungs using post-mortem computed tomography (PMCT) data was so far not feasible due to post-mortem changes such as internal livores. Recently, an Osirix plug-in has been developed allowing automatically segmenting lungs also in PMCT data. The aim of this study was to investigate if the Hounsfield unit (HU) profiles obtained in PMCT data of the segmented lung tissue present with specific behaviour in relation to the cause of death. In 105 PMCT data sets of forensic cases, the entire lung volumes were segmented using the Mia Lite plug-in on Osirix. HU profiles of the lungs were generated and correlated to cause of death groups as assessed after forensic autopsy (cardiac death, fatal haemorrhage, craniocerebral injury, intoxication, drowning, hypothermia, hanging and suffocation). Especially cardiac death cases, intoxication cases, fatal haemorrhage cases and hypothermia cases showed very specific HU profiles. In drowning, the profiles showed two different behaviours representing wet and dry drowning. HU profiles rather varied in craniocerebral injury cases, hanging cases as well as in suffocation cases. HU profiles of the lungs segmented from PMCT data may support the cause of death diagnosis as they represent specific morphological changes in the lungs such as oedema, congestion or blood loss. Especially in cardiac death, intoxication, fatal haemorrhage, hypothermia and drowning cases, HU profiles may be very supportive for the forensic pathologist.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Schober
- Institute of Forensic Medicine, University of Bern, Bühlstr. 20, CH-3012, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Nicole Schwendener
- Institute of Forensic Medicine, University of Bern, Bühlstr. 20, CH-3012, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Wolf-Dieter Zech
- Institute of Forensic Medicine, University of Bern, Bühlstr. 20, CH-3012, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Christian Jackowski
- Institute of Forensic Medicine, University of Bern, Bühlstr. 20, CH-3012, Bern, Switzerland.
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Rai V, Agrawal DK. Role of risk stratification and genetics in sudden cardiac death. Can J Physiol Pharmacol 2016; 95:225-238. [PMID: 27875062 DOI: 10.1139/cjpp-2016-0457] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Sudden cardiac death (SCD) is a major public health issue due to its increasing incidence in the general population and the difficulty in identifying high-risk individuals. Nearly 300 000 - 350 000 patients in the United States and 4-5 million patients in the world die annually from SCD. Coronary artery disease and advanced heart failure are the main etiology for SCD. Ischemia of any cause precipitates lethal arrhythmias, and ventricular tachycardia and ventricular fibrillation are the most common lethal arrhythmias precipitating SCD. Pulseless electrical activity, bradyarrhythmia, and electromechanical dissociation also result in SCD. Most SCDs occur outside of the hospital setting, so it is difficult to estimate the public burden, which results in overestimating the incidence of SCD. The insufficiency and limited predictive value of various indicators and criteria for SCD result in the increasing incidence. As a result, there is a need to develop better risk stratification criteria and find modifiable variables to decrease the incidence. Primary and secondary prevention and treatment of SCD need further research. This critical review is focused on the etiology, risk factors, prognostic factors, and importance of risk stratification of SCD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vikrant Rai
- Department of Clinical and Translational Science, Creighton University School of Medicine, Omaha, NE 68178, USA.,Department of Clinical and Translational Science, Creighton University School of Medicine, Omaha, NE 68178, USA
| | - Devendra K Agrawal
- Department of Clinical and Translational Science, Creighton University School of Medicine, Omaha, NE 68178, USA
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Mokrane FZ, Colleter R, Duchesne S, Gerard P, Savall F, Crubezy E, Guilbeau-Frugier C, Moreno R, Sewonu A, Rousseau H, Telmon N, Dedouit F. Old hearts for modern investigations: CT and MR for archaeological human hearts remains. Forensic Sci Int 2016; 268:14-24. [PMID: 27665272 DOI: 10.1016/j.forsciint.2016.08.035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2016] [Revised: 07/20/2016] [Accepted: 08/29/2016] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Among 800 burials dated between the 15th and 18th centuries and found in the center of Rennes (Brittany, France), a collection of five heart-shaped lead urns was discovered. This material was studied using classical methods (external study, autopsy and histology), and also modern imaging like computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance (MR) before and after coronary opacification. The aim of this manuscript is to describe different steps of ancient soft tissues study, especially using imaging techniques. METHODS The study gathered various specialists: anthropologists, archeologists, forensic pathologists, radiologists, pathologic physicians, and physicists. Imaging techniques were performed, before and after coronary opacification. Finally, hearts were autopsied and different histological samples were analyzed. RESULTS Only heart n°2 was too damaged to be studied. Heart n°3 was considered as normal using all investigation techniques. The study of Hearts n°s 4 and 5 revealed dilated cardiomyopathy while Heart n°1 showed important signs of diffuse hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. Different fibro lipid plaques were identified using imaging techniques, and were confirmed by histology. CONCLUSIONS The study of archeological soft tissues using modern imaging is possible if the material is well-preserved. This type of research can uncover principal findings, allowing scientists to establish diseases of ancient times.
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Affiliation(s)
- F Z Mokrane
- Service de radiologie Rangueil Toulouse, 1 Avenue du Professeur Jean Poulhès, TSA 30052, 31059 Toulouse Cedex 9, France; Laboratoire A.M.I.S (Anthropobiologie Moléculaire et Imagerie de Synthèse) UMR5288 - Faculté de Médecine Purpan, 37 Allées Jules Guesde 31073, Toulouse Cedex 7, France.
| | - R Colleter
- Laboratoire A.M.I.S (Anthropobiologie Moléculaire et Imagerie de Synthèse) UMR5288 - Faculté de Médecine Purpan, 37 Allées Jules Guesde 31073, Toulouse Cedex 7, France; INRAP 37 rue du Bignon, CS67737, 35577 Cesson-Sévigné Cedex, France
| | - S Duchesne
- Laboratoire A.M.I.S (Anthropobiologie Moléculaire et Imagerie de Synthèse) UMR5288 - Faculté de Médecine Purpan, 37 Allées Jules Guesde 31073, Toulouse Cedex 7, France; INRAP 37 rue du Bignon, CS67737, 35577 Cesson-Sévigné Cedex, France
| | - P Gerard
- Laboratoire A.M.I.S (Anthropobiologie Moléculaire et Imagerie de Synthèse) UMR5288 - Faculté de Médecine Purpan, 37 Allées Jules Guesde 31073, Toulouse Cedex 7, France
| | - F Savall
- Laboratoire A.M.I.S (Anthropobiologie Moléculaire et Imagerie de Synthèse) UMR5288 - Faculté de Médecine Purpan, 37 Allées Jules Guesde 31073, Toulouse Cedex 7, France; Service de médecine légale Rangueil Toulouse 1 Avenue du professeur Jean Poulhès, TSA 30052, 31059 Toulouse Cedex 9, France
| | - E Crubezy
- Laboratoire A.M.I.S (Anthropobiologie Moléculaire et Imagerie de Synthèse) UMR5288 - Faculté de Médecine Purpan, 37 Allées Jules Guesde 31073, Toulouse Cedex 7, France
| | - C Guilbeau-Frugier
- Service d'anatomie pathologique Rangueil Toulouse, 1 Avenue du Professeur Jean Poulhès, TSA 30052, 31059 Toulouse Cedex 9, France
| | - R Moreno
- Service de radiologie Rangueil Toulouse, 1 Avenue du Professeur Jean Poulhès, TSA 30052, 31059 Toulouse Cedex 9, France; INSERM U1048 - Institut des Maladies Moléculaires et Cardiovasculaires (I2MC, INSERM U1048), CHU Rangueil, 1 Avenue Jean Poulhes - Bâtiment L3-BP 84225 31432 Toulouse Cedex 4, France
| | - A Sewonu
- Service de radiologie Rangueil Toulouse, 1 Avenue du Professeur Jean Poulhès, TSA 30052, 31059 Toulouse Cedex 9, France; INSERM U1048 - Institut des Maladies Moléculaires et Cardiovasculaires (I2MC, INSERM U1048), CHU Rangueil, 1 Avenue Jean Poulhes - Bâtiment L3-BP 84225 31432 Toulouse Cedex 4, France
| | - H Rousseau
- Service de radiologie Rangueil Toulouse, 1 Avenue du Professeur Jean Poulhès, TSA 30052, 31059 Toulouse Cedex 9, France; INSERM U1048 - Institut des Maladies Moléculaires et Cardiovasculaires (I2MC, INSERM U1048), CHU Rangueil, 1 Avenue Jean Poulhes - Bâtiment L3-BP 84225 31432 Toulouse Cedex 4, France
| | - N Telmon
- Laboratoire A.M.I.S (Anthropobiologie Moléculaire et Imagerie de Synthèse) UMR5288 - Faculté de Médecine Purpan, 37 Allées Jules Guesde 31073, Toulouse Cedex 7, France; Service de médecine légale Rangueil Toulouse 1 Avenue du professeur Jean Poulhès, TSA 30052, 31059 Toulouse Cedex 9, France
| | - F Dedouit
- Laboratoire A.M.I.S (Anthropobiologie Moléculaire et Imagerie de Synthèse) UMR5288 - Faculté de Médecine Purpan, 37 Allées Jules Guesde 31073, Toulouse Cedex 7, France; Centre universitaire romand de médecine légale, Chemin de la Vulliette 4, CH-1000 Lausanne 25, Switzerland
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Katritsis DG, Gersh BJ, Camm AJ. A Clinical Perspective on Sudden Cardiac Death. Arrhythm Electrophysiol Rev 2016; 5:177-182. [PMID: 28116082 PMCID: PMC5248660 DOI: 10.15420/aer.2016:11:2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2016] [Accepted: 10/28/2016] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
Abstract
This article presents the epidemiology, aetiology and pathophysiology of sudden cardiac death. The modern management of survivors as well as of family members of victims is discussed, as are the relevant recommendations of guidelines prepared by learned societies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Demosthenes G Katritsis
- Athens Euroclinic, Greece, and Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
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46
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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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Cokic I, Kali A, Yang HJ, Yee R, Tang R, Tighiouart M, Wang X, Jackman WS, Chugh SS, White JA, Dharmakumar R. Iron-Sensitive Cardiac Magnetic Resonance Imaging for Prediction of Ventricular Arrhythmia Risk in Patients With Chronic Myocardial Infarction: Early Evidence. Circ Cardiovasc Imaging 2015; 8:CIRCIMAGING.115.003642. [PMID: 26259581 DOI: 10.1161/circimaging.115.003642] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Recent canines studies have shown that iron deposition within chronic myocardial infarction (CMI) influences the electric behavior of the heart. To date, the link between the iron deposition and malignant ventricular arrhythmias in humans with CMI is unknown. METHODS AND RESULTS Patients with CMI (n=94) who underwent late-gadolinium-enhanced cardiac magnetic resonance imaging before implantable cardioverter-defibrillator implantation for primary and secondary preventions were retrospectively analyzed. The predictive values of hypointense cores (HIC) in balanced steady-state free precession images and conventional cardiac magnetic resonance imaging and ECG malignant ventricular arrhythmia parameters for the prediction of primary combined outcome (appropriate implantable cardioverter-defibrillator therapy, survived cardiac arrest, or sudden cardiac death) were studied. The use of HIC within CMI on balanced steady-state free precession as a marker of iron deposition was validated in a canine MI model (n=18). Nineteen patients met the study criteria with events occurring at a median of 249 (interquartile range of 540) days after implantable cardioverter-defibrillator placement. Of the 19 patients meeting the primary end point, 18 were classified as HIC+, whereas only 1 was HIC-. Among the cohort in whom the primary end point was not met, there were 28 HIC+ and 47 HIC- patients. Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis demonstrated an additive predictive value of HIC for malignant ventricular arrhythmias with an increased area under the curve of 0.87 when added to left ventricular ejection fraction (left ventricular ejection fraction alone, 0.68). Both cardiac magnetic resonance imaging and histological validation studies performed in canines demonstrated that HIC regions in balanced steady-state free precession images within CMI likely result from iron depositions. CONCLUSIONS Hypointense cores within CMI on balanced steady-state free precession cardiac magnetic resonance imaging can be used as a marker of iron deposition and yields incremental information toward improved prediction of malignant ventricular arrhythmias.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ivan Cokic
- From the Department of Biomedical Sciences, Biomedical Imaging Research Institute (I.C., A.K., H.-J.Y., R.T., R.D.), Biostatistics and Bioinformatics Research Center (M.T.), and Cedars-Sinai Heart Institute (X.W., S.S.C., R.D.), Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA; Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of California, Los Angeles (A.K., H.-J.Y., H.-J.Y.); Department of Medicine, London Health Sciences Centre, London, Ontario, Canada (R.Y.); Heart Rhythm Institute, University of Oklahoma, Oklahoma City (W.S.J.); Department of Medicine, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles (S.S.C., R.D.); and Stephenson Cardiac Imaging Centre, Department of Cardiac Sciences, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada (J.A.W.)
| | - Avinash Kali
- From the Department of Biomedical Sciences, Biomedical Imaging Research Institute (I.C., A.K., H.-J.Y., R.T., R.D.), Biostatistics and Bioinformatics Research Center (M.T.), and Cedars-Sinai Heart Institute (X.W., S.S.C., R.D.), Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA; Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of California, Los Angeles (A.K., H.-J.Y., H.-J.Y.); Department of Medicine, London Health Sciences Centre, London, Ontario, Canada (R.Y.); Heart Rhythm Institute, University of Oklahoma, Oklahoma City (W.S.J.); Department of Medicine, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles (S.S.C., R.D.); and Stephenson Cardiac Imaging Centre, Department of Cardiac Sciences, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada (J.A.W.)
| | - Hsin-Jung Yang
- From the Department of Biomedical Sciences, Biomedical Imaging Research Institute (I.C., A.K., H.-J.Y., R.T., R.D.), Biostatistics and Bioinformatics Research Center (M.T.), and Cedars-Sinai Heart Institute (X.W., S.S.C., R.D.), Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA; Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of California, Los Angeles (A.K., H.-J.Y., H.-J.Y.); Department of Medicine, London Health Sciences Centre, London, Ontario, Canada (R.Y.); Heart Rhythm Institute, University of Oklahoma, Oklahoma City (W.S.J.); Department of Medicine, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles (S.S.C., R.D.); and Stephenson Cardiac Imaging Centre, Department of Cardiac Sciences, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada (J.A.W.)
| | - Raymond Yee
- From the Department of Biomedical Sciences, Biomedical Imaging Research Institute (I.C., A.K., H.-J.Y., R.T., R.D.), Biostatistics and Bioinformatics Research Center (M.T.), and Cedars-Sinai Heart Institute (X.W., S.S.C., R.D.), Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA; Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of California, Los Angeles (A.K., H.-J.Y., H.-J.Y.); Department of Medicine, London Health Sciences Centre, London, Ontario, Canada (R.Y.); Heart Rhythm Institute, University of Oklahoma, Oklahoma City (W.S.J.); Department of Medicine, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles (S.S.C., R.D.); and Stephenson Cardiac Imaging Centre, Department of Cardiac Sciences, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada (J.A.W.)
| | - Richard Tang
- From the Department of Biomedical Sciences, Biomedical Imaging Research Institute (I.C., A.K., H.-J.Y., R.T., R.D.), Biostatistics and Bioinformatics Research Center (M.T.), and Cedars-Sinai Heart Institute (X.W., S.S.C., R.D.), Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA; Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of California, Los Angeles (A.K., H.-J.Y., H.-J.Y.); Department of Medicine, London Health Sciences Centre, London, Ontario, Canada (R.Y.); Heart Rhythm Institute, University of Oklahoma, Oklahoma City (W.S.J.); Department of Medicine, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles (S.S.C., R.D.); and Stephenson Cardiac Imaging Centre, Department of Cardiac Sciences, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada (J.A.W.)
| | - Mourad Tighiouart
- From the Department of Biomedical Sciences, Biomedical Imaging Research Institute (I.C., A.K., H.-J.Y., R.T., R.D.), Biostatistics and Bioinformatics Research Center (M.T.), and Cedars-Sinai Heart Institute (X.W., S.S.C., R.D.), Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA; Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of California, Los Angeles (A.K., H.-J.Y., H.-J.Y.); Department of Medicine, London Health Sciences Centre, London, Ontario, Canada (R.Y.); Heart Rhythm Institute, University of Oklahoma, Oklahoma City (W.S.J.); Department of Medicine, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles (S.S.C., R.D.); and Stephenson Cardiac Imaging Centre, Department of Cardiac Sciences, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada (J.A.W.)
| | - Xunzhang Wang
- From the Department of Biomedical Sciences, Biomedical Imaging Research Institute (I.C., A.K., H.-J.Y., R.T., R.D.), Biostatistics and Bioinformatics Research Center (M.T.), and Cedars-Sinai Heart Institute (X.W., S.S.C., R.D.), Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA; Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of California, Los Angeles (A.K., H.-J.Y., H.-J.Y.); Department of Medicine, London Health Sciences Centre, London, Ontario, Canada (R.Y.); Heart Rhythm Institute, University of Oklahoma, Oklahoma City (W.S.J.); Department of Medicine, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles (S.S.C., R.D.); and Stephenson Cardiac Imaging Centre, Department of Cardiac Sciences, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada (J.A.W.)
| | - Warren S Jackman
- From the Department of Biomedical Sciences, Biomedical Imaging Research Institute (I.C., A.K., H.-J.Y., R.T., R.D.), Biostatistics and Bioinformatics Research Center (M.T.), and Cedars-Sinai Heart Institute (X.W., S.S.C., R.D.), Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA; Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of California, Los Angeles (A.K., H.-J.Y., H.-J.Y.); Department of Medicine, London Health Sciences Centre, London, Ontario, Canada (R.Y.); Heart Rhythm Institute, University of Oklahoma, Oklahoma City (W.S.J.); Department of Medicine, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles (S.S.C., R.D.); and Stephenson Cardiac Imaging Centre, Department of Cardiac Sciences, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada (J.A.W.)
| | - Sumeet S Chugh
- From the Department of Biomedical Sciences, Biomedical Imaging Research Institute (I.C., A.K., H.-J.Y., R.T., R.D.), Biostatistics and Bioinformatics Research Center (M.T.), and Cedars-Sinai Heart Institute (X.W., S.S.C., R.D.), Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA; Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of California, Los Angeles (A.K., H.-J.Y., H.-J.Y.); Department of Medicine, London Health Sciences Centre, London, Ontario, Canada (R.Y.); Heart Rhythm Institute, University of Oklahoma, Oklahoma City (W.S.J.); Department of Medicine, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles (S.S.C., R.D.); and Stephenson Cardiac Imaging Centre, Department of Cardiac Sciences, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada (J.A.W.)
| | - James A White
- From the Department of Biomedical Sciences, Biomedical Imaging Research Institute (I.C., A.K., H.-J.Y., R.T., R.D.), Biostatistics and Bioinformatics Research Center (M.T.), and Cedars-Sinai Heart Institute (X.W., S.S.C., R.D.), Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA; Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of California, Los Angeles (A.K., H.-J.Y., H.-J.Y.); Department of Medicine, London Health Sciences Centre, London, Ontario, Canada (R.Y.); Heart Rhythm Institute, University of Oklahoma, Oklahoma City (W.S.J.); Department of Medicine, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles (S.S.C., R.D.); and Stephenson Cardiac Imaging Centre, Department of Cardiac Sciences, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada (J.A.W.)
| | - Rohan Dharmakumar
- From the Department of Biomedical Sciences, Biomedical Imaging Research Institute (I.C., A.K., H.-J.Y., R.T., R.D.), Biostatistics and Bioinformatics Research Center (M.T.), and Cedars-Sinai Heart Institute (X.W., S.S.C., R.D.), Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA; Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of California, Los Angeles (A.K., H.-J.Y., H.-J.Y.); Department of Medicine, London Health Sciences Centre, London, Ontario, Canada (R.Y.); Heart Rhythm Institute, University of Oklahoma, Oklahoma City (W.S.J.); Department of Medicine, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles (S.S.C., R.D.); and Stephenson Cardiac Imaging Centre, Department of Cardiac Sciences, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada (J.A.W.).
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Grabherr S, Baumann P, Fahrni S, Mangin P, Grimm J. Virtuelle vs. reale forensische bildgebende Verfahren. Rechtsmedizin (Berl) 2015. [DOI: 10.1007/s00194-015-0047-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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Heinemann A, Vogel H, Heller M, Tzikas A, Püschel K. Investigation of medical intervention with fatal outcome: the impact of post-mortem CT and CT angiography. Radiol Med 2015; 120:835-45. [PMID: 26286005 PMCID: PMC4545182 DOI: 10.1007/s11547-015-0574-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2014] [Accepted: 07/30/2015] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
Post-mortem computed tomography (PMCT) has been proven for its appropriateness to become an integral part of routine pre-autoptic forensic investigations either in the field of forensic investigation of fatal medical error or in hospital quality management. The autoptic investigation of unexpected and peri-interventional deaths can be usefully guided by post-mortem imaging which offers significant added value in the documentation of misplacement of medical devices before dissection with the risk of artificial relocation and the detection of iatrogenic air embolism. Post-mortem CT angiography (PMCTA) augments PMCT in the search for sources of hemorrhages and for the documentation of vascular patency and unimpaired perfusion after general and cardiovascular surgery or transvascular catheter-assisted interventions. Limitations of PMCT and PMCTA in medical error cases are method-related or time-dependent including artifacts by early post-mortem tissue change. Thromboembolic complications including pulmonary embolism, the differentiation of ante- and post-mortem coagulation and the detection of myocardial infarction remain areas with compromised diagnostic efficiency as compared to autopsy. Furthermore, extended survival periods after a complication in question impedes visualization of contrast agent extravasation at vascular leakage sites. PMCT and PMCTA contribute substantially for proving a correct interventional approach and guide forensic or clinical autopsy in the reconstruction of adverse medical events with fatal outcome. Post-mortem imaging could also assume a new role as an alternative in a clinicopathological setting if autopsy is not achievable when the probability in the individual case is acceptable to answer specific questions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Axel Heinemann
- Institute for Legal Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Butenfeld 34, 22529, Hamburg, Germany,
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50
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Postmortem quantitative 1.5-T MRI for the differentiation and characterization of serous fluids, blood, CSF, and putrefied CSF. Int J Legal Med 2015; 129:1127-36. [DOI: 10.1007/s00414-015-1218-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2014] [Accepted: 06/22/2015] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
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