Managing transformational change: Implementing cross-sectional imaging into death investigation services in the United Kingdom

Postmortem Computed Tomography: An Overview for Forensic Nurses Involved in Death Investigation

The traditional invasive autopsy has been considered the "gold standard" for death investigation worldwide. However, this has now been challenged by a new minimally invasive approach that utilizes cross-sectional radiological imaging to investigate the death. Globally, postmortem computed tomography is the most commonly used modality and is becoming increasingly available throughout the world. Forensic nurses working in association with coroners and medical examiners' offices, as well as mass fatality incidents, now need to update their knowledge base to understand these innovative techniques, the advantages and disadvantages to their use, and how they impact on medicolegal death investigation and the care of the deceased and bereaved. Using the example of the coroner system of England and Wales, this article provides a comparison between the traditional invasive autopsy and postmortem radiological alternatives and presents the impact postmortem radiology is now having on death investigation.

Forensic Radiology: A Primer

RATIONALE AND OBJECTIVE

Forensic radiology is a relatively unknown subspecialty which is becoming increasingly more important. The field incorporates antemortem and postmortem imaging for the detection and documentation of various pathologies for medicolegal purposes. Postmortem imaging is increasingly used in conjunction with the traditional autopsy in a process called a "virtual" autopsy. Radiography has been a staple of forensic investigations for over a century, first used in 1896. Advanced imaging techniques such as postmortem computed tomography and postmortem magnetic resonance imaging have only recently gained acceptance in the forensic science community. Postmortem computed tomography and postmortem magnetic resonance imaging methods are now widely used in some parts of the world, while other countries including the United States have been slower to adopt these methods into their daily practice. Advanced forensic imaging is increasingly used in the courts where juries have responded positively to such presentation of forensic data. For these reasons, advanced postmortem imaging is becoming a regular part of forensic investigations. The increase in the use of forensic imaging presents a unique opportunity for radiologists to collaborate with pathologists and law enforcement officials. This paper provides an overview of forensic radiology and identifies potential challenges and opportunities.