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Okimoto N, Ishida M, Gonoi W, Fujimoto K, Nyunoya K, Kurokawa M, Shirota G, Abe H, Ushiku T, Abe O. Cutoff CT value can identify upper gastrointestinal bleeding on postmortem CT: Development and validation study. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0304993. [PMID: 38848411 PMCID: PMC11161085 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0304993] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2024] [Accepted: 05/22/2024] [Indexed: 06/09/2024] Open
Abstract
This study aimed to establish the diagnostic criteria for upper gastrointestinal bleeding (UGIB) using postmortem computed tomography (PMCT). This case-control study enrolled 27 consecutive patients with autopsy-proven UGIB and 170 of the 566 patients without UGIB who died in a university hospital in Japan after treatment and underwent both noncontrast PMCT and conventional autopsy between 2009 and 2020. Patients were randomly allocated to two groups: derivation and validation sets. Imaging findings of the upper gastrointestinal contents, including CT values, were recorded and evaluated for their power to diagnose UGIB in the derivation set and validated in the validation set. In the derivation set, the mean CT value of the upper gastrointestinal contents was 48.2 Hounsfield units (HU) and 22.8 HU in cases with and without UGIB. The optimal cutoff CT value for diagnosing UGIB was ≥27.7 HU derived from the receiver operating characteristic curve analysis (sensitivity, 91.7%; specificity, 81.2%; area under the curve, 0.898). In the validation set, the sensitivity and specificity in diagnosing UGIB for the CT cutoff value of ≥27.7 HU were 84.6% and 77.6%, respectively. In addition to the CT value of ≥27.7 HU, PMCT findings of solid-natured gastrointestinal content and intra/peri-content bubbles ≥4 mm, extracted from the derivation set, increased the specificity for UGIB (96.5% and 98.8%, respectively) but decreased the sensitivity (61.5% and 38.5%, respectively) in the validation set. In diagnosing UGIB on noncontrast PMCT, the cutoff CT value of ≥27.7 HU and solid gastrointestinal content were valid and reproducible diagnostic criteria.
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Affiliation(s)
- Naomasa Okimoto
- Department of Radiology, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Masanori Ishida
- Department of Radiology, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Wataru Gonoi
- Department of Radiology, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Kotaro Fujimoto
- Department of Radiology, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Keisuke Nyunoya
- Department of Radiology, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Mariko Kurokawa
- Department of Radiology, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Go Shirota
- Department of Radiology, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Hiroyuki Abe
- Department of Pathology, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Tetsuo Ushiku
- Department of Pathology, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Osamu Abe
- Department of Radiology, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, Japan
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Nakaki Y, Fukumoto W, Higashibori H, Kawashita I, Nakamura Y, Awai K. Performance of postmortem CT in the diagnosis of natural death from out-of-hospital cardiac arrest. Jpn J Radiol 2024:10.1007/s11604-024-01559-7. [PMID: 38625477 DOI: 10.1007/s11604-024-01559-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2023] [Accepted: 03/14/2024] [Indexed: 04/17/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE Postmortem CT (PMCT) is used widely to identify the cause of death. However, its diagnostic performance in cases of natural death from out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) may be unsatisfactory because the cause tends to be cardiogenic and cannot be detected on PMCT images. We retrospectively investigated the diagnostic performance of PMCT in the diagnosis of natural death from OHCA and compared it to that of unnatural death. MATERIALS AND METHODS Our series included 450 cases; 336 were natural- and 114 were unnatural death cases. Between 2018 and 2022 all underwent non-contrast PMCT to identify the cause of death. Two radiologists reviewed the PMCT images and categorized them as diagnostic (PMCT alone sufficient to determine the cause of death), suggestive (the cause of death was suggested but additional information was needed), and non-diagnostic (the cause of death could not be determined on PMCT images). The diagnostic performance of PMCT was defined by the percentage of diagnosable and suggestive cases and compared between natural- and unnatural death cases. Interobserver agreement for the cause of death on PMCT images was also assessed with the Cohen kappa coefficient of concordance. RESULTS The diagnostic performance of PMCT for the cause of natural- and unnatural deaths from OHCA was 30.3% and 66.6%, respectively (p < 0.01). The interobserver agreement for the cause of natural- and unnatural deaths on PMCT images was very good with kappa value 0.92 and 0.96, respectively. CONCLUSION As PMCT identified the cause of natural death by OHCA in only 30% of cases, its diagnostic performance must be improved.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu Nakaki
- Department of Diagnostic Radiology, Graduate School of Biomedical and Health Science, Hiroshima University, 1-2-3 Kasumi, Minamiku, Hiroshima, 734-8551, Japan
| | - Wataru Fukumoto
- Department of Diagnostic Radiology, Graduate School of Biomedical and Health Science, Hiroshima University, 1-2-3 Kasumi, Minamiku, Hiroshima, 734-8551, Japan.
- Center for Cause of Death Investigation Research, Graduate School of Biomedical and Health Science, Hiroshima University, 1-2-3 Kasumi, Minamiku, Hiroshima, 734-8551, Japan.
| | - Haruka Higashibori
- Department of Diagnostic Imaging, JA Hiroshima General Hospital, 1-3-3 Jigozen, Hatsukaichi-Shi, Hiroshima, 738-0042, Japan
| | - Ikuo Kawashita
- Department of Diagnostic Radiology, Graduate School of Biomedical and Health Science, Hiroshima University, 1-2-3 Kasumi, Minamiku, Hiroshima, 734-8551, Japan
| | - Yuko Nakamura
- Department of Diagnostic Radiology, Graduate School of Biomedical and Health Science, Hiroshima University, 1-2-3 Kasumi, Minamiku, Hiroshima, 734-8551, Japan
| | - Kazuo Awai
- Department of Diagnostic Radiology, Graduate School of Biomedical and Health Science, Hiroshima University, 1-2-3 Kasumi, Minamiku, Hiroshima, 734-8551, Japan
- Center for Cause of Death Investigation Research, Graduate School of Biomedical and Health Science, Hiroshima University, 1-2-3 Kasumi, Minamiku, Hiroshima, 734-8551, Japan
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Mentink MG, Latten BGH, Bakers FCH, Mihl C, Benali F, Nelemans PJ, Rennenberg RJMW, Koopmans RP, Bergmans DCJJ, Kubat B, Hofman PAM. Efficacy of postmortem CT and tissue sampling in establishing the cause of death in clinical practice: a prospective observational study. J Clin Pathol 2024; 77:259-265. [PMID: 36581447 DOI: 10.1136/jcp-2021-207946] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2021] [Accepted: 12/18/2022] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
AIMS The aim of this study is to evaluate whether agreement with autopsy-determined cause of death (COD) increases by use of postmortem CT (PMCT) or PMCT in combination with postmortem sampling (PMS), when compared with clinical assessment only. METHODS This prospective observational study included deceased patients from the intensive care unit and internal medicine wards between October 2013 and August 2017. The primary outcome was percentage agreement on COD between the reference standard (autopsy) and the alternative postmortem examinations (clinical assessment vs PMCT or PMCT+PMS). In addition, the COD of patient groups with and without conventional autopsy were compared with respect to involved organ systems and pathologies. RESULTS Of 730 eligible cases, 144 could be included for analysis: 63 underwent PCMT without autopsy and 81 underwent both PMCT and autopsy. Agreement with autopsy-determined COD was significantly higher for both PMCT with PMS (42/57, 74%), and PMCT alone (53/81, 65%) than for clinical assessment (40/81, 51%; p=0.007 and p=0.03, respectively). The difference in agreement between PMCT with PMS and PMCT alone was not significant (p=0.13). The group with autopsy had a significantly higher prevalence of circulatory system involvement and perfusion disorders, and a lower prevalence of pulmonary system involvement. CONCLUSION PMCT and PMS confer additional diagnostic value in establishing the COD. Shortcomings in detecting vascular occlusions and perfusion disorders and susceptibility to pulmonary postmortem changes could in future be improved by additional techniques. Both PMCT and PMS are feasible in clinical practice and an alternative when autopsy cannot be performed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Max Guillaume Mentink
- Radiology & Nuclear Medicine, Maastricht Universitair Medisch Centrum+, Maastricht, Netherlands
| | - Bart G H Latten
- Pathology, Maastricht Universitair Medisch Centrum+, Maastricht, Netherlands
- Pathology, Netherlands Forensic Institute, Den Haag, Netherlands
| | - Frans C H Bakers
- Radiology & Nuclear Medicine, Maastricht Universitair Medisch Centrum+, Maastricht, Netherlands
| | - Casper Mihl
- Radiology & Nuclear Medicine, Maastricht Universitair Medisch Centrum+, Maastricht, Netherlands
- CARIM school for Cardiovascular Diseases, Maastricht University, Maastricht, Netherlands
| | - Faysal Benali
- Radiology & Nuclear Medicine, Maastricht Universitair Medisch Centrum+, Maastricht, Netherlands
| | | | | | - Richard P Koopmans
- Internal Medicine, Maastricht Universitair Medisch Centrum+, Maastricht, Netherlands
| | | | - Bela Kubat
- Pathology, Maastricht Universitair Medisch Centrum+, Maastricht, Netherlands
| | - Paul A M Hofman
- Radiology & Nuclear Medicine, Maastricht Universitair Medisch Centrum+, Maastricht, Netherlands
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Beardmore S, Adeley J, Brookes A, Robinson C, Davendralingam N, Joseph J, McManoman B, Morgan B. Impact of changing from autopsy to post-mortem CT in an entire HM Coroner region due to a shortage of available pathologists. Clin Radiol 2023; 78:797-803. [PMID: 37827590 DOI: 10.1016/j.crad.2023.08.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2022] [Revised: 05/31/2023] [Accepted: 08/13/2023] [Indexed: 10/14/2023]
Abstract
A significant problem facing routine medicolegal coroner-referred autopsies is a shortfall of pathologists prepared to perform them. This was particularly acute in Lancashire, where the coroner decided to initiate a service that relied on post-mortem computed tomography (PMCT). This involved training anatomical pathology technologists (APTs) to perform external examinations, radiographers to perform scans, and radiologists to interpret them. The service started in 2018 and now examines over 1,500 cases per year. This study outlines the PMCT process using NHS staff, with CT equipment and logistics managed by the commercial sector. It compares the demographics and outcomes of PM investigations for two 6-month periods: the autopsy service prior to 2018, and then the PMCT service. These data were then compared with previous UK PMCT data. Referrals for adult non-suspicious deaths were made in 913 cases of which 793 (87%) had PMCT between 01/10/2018 and 31/03/2019. Fifty-six cases had autopsy after PMCT, so 81% of cases potentially avoided autopsy. The PMCT service did not delay release of bodies to the next-of-kin. Comparing the cause of death given shows no difference in the proportions of natural and unnatural deaths. There was an increase in diagnosis of coronary artery disease for PMCT, with less respiratory diagnoses, a feature not previously demonstrated. These data suggest PMCT is a practical solution for potentially failing autopsy services. By necessity, this involves changes in diagnoses, as PMCT and autopsy have different strengths and weakness, but the ability to pick up unnatural death appears unaffected.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Beardmore
- Royal Preston Hospital, Lancashire Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Sharoe Green Lane North, Fulwood, Preston, Lancashire, PR2 9HT, UK
| | - J Adeley
- HM Senior Coroner Lancashire and Blackburn with Darwen, Coroner's Court, 2 Faraday Court, Faraday Drive, Preston, Lancashire, PR2 9NB, UK
| | - A Brookes
- Royal Preston Hospital, Lancashire Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Sharoe Green Lane North, Fulwood, Preston, Lancashire, PR2 9HT, UK
| | - C Robinson
- Imaging Department, University Hospitals of Leicester, Leicester Royal Infirmary, Leicester, LE2 7LX, UK
| | - N Davendralingam
- Imaging Department, King's College Hospital, Denmark Hill, SE5 9RS, UK
| | - J Joseph
- Royal Preston Hospital, Lancashire Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Sharoe Green Lane North, Fulwood, Preston, Lancashire, PR2 9HT, UK
| | - B McManoman
- Royal Preston Hospital, Lancashire Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Sharoe Green Lane North, Fulwood, Preston, Lancashire, PR2 9HT, UK
| | - B Morgan
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Leicester, Radiology Department, Leicester Royal Infirmary, Infirmary Square, Leicester, LE2 7LX, UK.
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James J, Robinson C, Mason C, Richards C, West K, Morgan B. Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on a post-mortem CT service for adult non-suspicious death. Clin Radiol 2023; 78:822-831. [PMID: 37827592 DOI: 10.1016/j.crad.2023.03.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2022] [Revised: 03/14/2023] [Accepted: 03/23/2023] [Indexed: 10/14/2023]
Abstract
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the post-mortem computed tomography (PMCT) service was expanded from three to seven cases per day to help mortuary services and avoid invasive autopsy. Additional targeted angiography and pulmonary ventilation procedures were stopped and triage rules relaxed to allow more indications to be scanned, including those requiring toxicology. A service evaluation was performed for the first 3-months of the COVID-19 pandemic compared to the equivalent period the previous year to study the impact of these changes. It was found that, despite the increase in deaths regionally, coronial referrals remained about 100 per month, a reduction in referral rate. The number undergoing PMCT rose from 28% to 74% of cases. Turnaround time remained the same. For cases triaged to PMCT, the need for subsequent autopsy increased from 7.9% to 15.8%. No significant changes were seen in diagnosis rates, including cardiac or respiratory. There was an increase in patients with coronary death without severe coronary calcification who underwent autopsy after PMCT. These may have been diagnosed by targeted coronary angiography. Fifty-three cases requiring toxicology/biochemistry had PMCT, with 38 having PMCT only. In 8/11 (72.7%) cases with normal PMCT and toxicology as the key diagnostic test, autopsy was performed prior to results. This suggests the pathology team were reluctant to risk an "unascertained" outcome. This study shows that it is possible to increase PMCT services by widening referral criteria and by limiting the use of enhanced imaging techniques, without significantly changing diagnosis rates of key diseases; however, selectively restarting targeted angiography may help avoid autopsy in some cases.
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Affiliation(s)
- J James
- Imaging Department, University Hospitals of Leicester, Leicester Royal Infirmary, Leicester LE2 7LX, UK
| | - C Robinson
- Imaging Department, University Hospitals of Leicester, Leicester Royal Infirmary, Leicester LE2 7LX, UK
| | - C Mason
- The Coroner's Court, Town Hall, Town Hall Square, Leicester, UK
| | - C Richards
- Histopathology Department, University Hospitals of Leicester, Leicester Royal Infirmary, Leicester LE2 7LX, UK
| | - K West
- Histopathology Department, University Hospitals of Leicester, Leicester Royal Infirmary, Leicester LE2 7LX, UK
| | - B Morgan
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Leicester, Radiology Department, Leicester Royal Infirmary, Infirmary Square, Leicester LE2 7LX, UK.
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Ishida M, Gonoi W, Abe H, Ushiku T, Abe O. Essence of postmortem computed tomography for in-hospital deaths: what clinical radiologists should know. Jpn J Radiol 2023; 41:1039-1050. [PMID: 37193920 PMCID: PMC10543514 DOI: 10.1007/s11604-023-01443-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2023] [Accepted: 05/06/2023] [Indexed: 05/18/2023]
Abstract
Postmortem computed tomography (CT) is an essential tool for investigating the causes of death. Postmortem CT has characteristic imaging findings and should not be interpreted in the same manner as clinical antemortem images. In analyzing the cause of death in in-hospital death cases using postmortem images, it is crucial to understand early postmortem and post-resuscitation changes. In addition, it is essential to understand the limitations of diagnosing the cause of death or significant pathology relating to death on non-contrast-enhanced postmortem CT. In Japan, there has also been social demand to establish a system for postmortem imaging at the time of death. To facilitate such a system, clinical radiologists should be prepared to interpret postmortem images and assess the cause of death. This review article provides comprehensive information regarding unenhanced postmortem CT for in-hospital death cases in daily clinical practice in Japan.
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Affiliation(s)
- Masanori Ishida
- Department of Radiology, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-Ku, Tokyo, 113-8655, Japan
| | - Wataru Gonoi
- Department of Radiology, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-Ku, Tokyo, 113-8655, Japan.
| | - Hiroyuki Abe
- Department of Pathology, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-Ku, Tokyo, 113-8655, Japan
| | - Tetsuo Ushiku
- Department of Pathology, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-Ku, Tokyo, 113-8655, Japan
| | - Osamu Abe
- Department of Radiology, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-Ku, Tokyo, 113-8655, Japan
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Inai K, Higuchi S, Shimada A, Hisada K, Hida Y, Hatta S, Kitano F, Uno M, Matsukawa H, Noriki S, Iwasaki H, Naiki H. Exploration of sepsis assisting parameters in hospital autopsied-patients: a prospective study. Sci Rep 2023; 13:10681. [PMID: 37393368 PMCID: PMC10314941 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-37752-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2023] [Accepted: 06/27/2023] [Indexed: 07/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Although Sepsis-3 doesn't require evidence of bacteremia to diagnose sepsis, clinicians often want to identify the causative pathogen at autopsy. In principle, if the blood cultures are the same at ante- and postmortem, the cause of death is obvious. However, interpretations of postmortem blood cultures are often difficult due to discordance, negativity, mixed infection, and contamination, of pathogens occupying ≥ 50% of the tests. To increase specificity identifying agonal phase sepsis in the situations where blood cultures are discordant, multiple or negative at postmortem, we established a scoring system using blood cultures, procalcitonin (PCN) showing highest sensitivity and specificity for postmortem serum, and bone marrow polyhemophagocytosis (PHP). Histological sepsis showed significantly higher levels of culture score (2.3 ± 1.5 vs. 0.4 ± 0.5, p < 0.001), PHP score (2.5 ± 0.8 vs. 1.0 ± 1.1, p < 0.001), and PCN score (1.8 ± 0.8 vs. 0.8 ± 0.6, p < 0.01) than non-septic patients. Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis indicated that estimation of three scores was the most reliable indicator for recognizing agonal phase sepsis. These findings suggest that the combination of these three inspections enables to determine the pathological diagnoses of sepsis even it is not obvious by discordant, mixed or negative blood cultures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kunihiro Inai
- Division of Molecular Pathology, Department of Pathological Sciences, School of Medical Sciences, University of Fukui, 23-3 Matsuoka-Shimoaizuki, Eiheiji, Fukui, 910-1193, Japan.
| | - Shohei Higuchi
- Division of Molecular Pathology, Department of Pathological Sciences, School of Medical Sciences, University of Fukui, 23-3 Matsuoka-Shimoaizuki, Eiheiji, Fukui, 910-1193, Japan
| | - Akihiro Shimada
- Division of Infection Control, University of Fukui Hospital, Fukui, Japan
| | - Kyoko Hisada
- Division of Infection Control, University of Fukui Hospital, Fukui, Japan
| | - Yukio Hida
- Division of Infection Control, University of Fukui Hospital, Fukui, Japan
| | - Satomi Hatta
- Division of Molecular Pathology, Department of Pathological Sciences, School of Medical Sciences, University of Fukui, 23-3 Matsuoka-Shimoaizuki, Eiheiji, Fukui, 910-1193, Japan
| | - Fumihiro Kitano
- Division of Rural Medicine, School of Medical Sciences, University of Fukui, Fukui, Japan
| | - Miyuki Uno
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Fukui Hospital, Fukui, Japan
| | - Haruka Matsukawa
- Division of Molecular Pathology, Department of Pathological Sciences, School of Medical Sciences, University of Fukui, 23-3 Matsuoka-Shimoaizuki, Eiheiji, Fukui, 910-1193, Japan
| | - Sakon Noriki
- Faculty of Nursing and Social Welfare Sciences, Fukui Prefectural University, Fukui, Japan
| | - Hiromichi Iwasaki
- Division of Infection Control, University of Fukui Hospital, Fukui, Japan
| | - Hironobu Naiki
- Division of Molecular Pathology, Department of Pathological Sciences, School of Medical Sciences, University of Fukui, 23-3 Matsuoka-Shimoaizuki, Eiheiji, Fukui, 910-1193, Japan
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Abstract
Forensic imaging is a non-invasive examination process during the forensic investigation. It is mainly used in forensic pathology as an adjunct to the traditional autopsy. In the past two decades, forensic imaging has been vigorously developed by forensic experts from computed tomography (CT) to multiple augmented techniques through CT and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). The application field of forensic imaging has also been broadened as its advantages are recognised by more forensic practitioners. In addition to the forensic pathology, this technique has been used in other forensic disciplines, including forensic anthropology, forensic odontology, forensic ballistics and wildlife forensics, etc. This article reviews the development of forensic imaging as the practice and research development in different forensic disciplines based on the relevant literature analysis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Min Zhang
- Faculty of Forensic Investigation Department of Criminal Justice, Coppin State University, Baltimore, MD, USA
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Alipour J, Payandeh A. Common errors in reporting cause-of-death statement on death certificates: A systematic review and meta-analysis. J Forensic Leg Med 2021; 82:102220. [PMID: 34325081 DOI: 10.1016/j.jflm.2021.102220] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2021] [Revised: 07/09/2021] [Accepted: 07/21/2021] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
The prevalence of death certificate (DC) completion errors is a universal issue. This research aimed to estimate the global prevalence of DC errors by performing a systematic review and meta-analysis. Databases including Web of Science, PubMed, Science Direct, Scopus, and Google search engine were searched by September 4, 2020. Thirty-five articles were included in the final analysis. The exact Clopper-Pearson confidence intervals, heterogeneity assessment, random effects models with Mantel-Haenszel methods were employed using STATA version 14.2 software. Absence of time interval (80.9%), absence/inappropriateness of comorbidities (45.1%), incorrect underlying cause-of-death (COD) statement (38.9%), improper sequence (36.2%), mechanism of death with underlying COD (UCOD) (33.6%), abbreviations (33.0%), mechanism only (23.9%), competing causes (21.5%), two or more condition per line (19.3%), incorrect COD (18.0%), nonspecific or ill-defined condition (16.4%), blanks/repetitive phrases (12.5%), and illegible handwriting (11.6%) were the most prevalent errors, respectively. Lack of or poor training/educating of certifiers, lack of physician understandings about the importance of DC and absence of quality assurance mechanisms were identified as the most significant causes of DC errors. Furthermore, providing ongoing, targeted and interactive training/education, and establishment of quality control and tracking mechanisms for completion of deficient DCs were suggested as the important improving solutions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jahanpour Alipour
- Health Information Management, Department of Health Information Technology, Health Promotion Research Center, Zahedan University of Medical Sciences, Zahedan, Iran
| | - Abolfazl Payandeh
- Biostatistics, Department of Biostatistics and Epidemiology, Community Nursing Research Center, Zahedan University of Medical Sciences, Zahedan, Iran.
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Okimoto N, Ishida M, Abe H, Ikemura M, Fujimoto K, Kanemaru N, Ushiku T, Abe O, Gonoi W. Delayed cerebral enhancement on post-mortem computed tomography due to residual contrast medium administered shortly before death. Radiol Case Rep 2021; 16:2056-2060. [PMID: 34158893 PMCID: PMC8203565 DOI: 10.1016/j.radcr.2021.04.065] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2021] [Revised: 04/20/2021] [Accepted: 04/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Postmortem computed tomography (CT) is currently a well-known procedure and helps in postmortem investigations. In this case report, we report a unique postmortem CT finding: delayed cerebral enhancement associated with the antemortem infusion of contrast medium. A 72-year-old female lost consciousness at a restaurant and was taken to a hospital in an ambulance. Despite resuscitation efforts, she died of hypoxic–ischemic encephalopathy caused by cardiac arrest. About 6 h before her death, she underwent enhanced antemortem CT of the head. No abnormal enhancement was observed in the cerebral parenchyma. Then, 11 h after her death, she underwent unenhanced postmortem CT, which showed bilateral hyperdense caudate nucleus and putamina, due to residual iodinated contrast medium, in addition to other characteristic findings of hypoxic–ischemic encephalopathy. The mechanism underlying this phenomenon could be the destruction of the blood–brain barrier, and/or selective vulnerability, due to hypoxic–ischemic changes in the gray matter. Enhancement of basal ganglia on postmortem CT due to antemortem infusion of iodinated contrast medium might suggest hypoxic–ischemic encephalopathy, which should be noted in postmortem CT interpretations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Naomasa Okimoto
- Department of Radiology, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-8655, Japan
| | - Masanori Ishida
- Department of Radiology, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-8655, Japan
| | - Hiroyuki Abe
- Department of Pathology, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-8655, Japan
| | - Masako Ikemura
- Department of Pathology, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-8655, Japan
| | - Kotaro Fujimoto
- Department of Radiology, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-8655, Japan
| | - Noriko Kanemaru
- Department of Radiology, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-8655, Japan
| | - Tetsuo Ushiku
- Department of Pathology, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-8655, Japan
| | - Osamu Abe
- Department of Radiology, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-8655, Japan
| | - Wataru Gonoi
- Department of Radiology, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-8655, Japan
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11
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Baj J, Ciesielka M, Buszewicz G, Maciejewski R, Budzyńska B, Listos P, Teresiński G. COVID-19 in the autopsy room-requirements, safety, recommendations and pathological findings. Forensic Sci Med Pathol 2021; 17:101-113. [PMID: 33394313 PMCID: PMC7780078 DOI: 10.1007/s12024-020-00341-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/05/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Modern technologies enable the exchange of information about the expansion of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection and the continually increasing number of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) cases almost in real time. The gravity of a current epidemiological situation is represented by the mortality rates, which are scrupulously updated daily. Performing autopsies on patients with either suspected or confirmed COVID-19 is of high importance since these might not only improve clinical management but also reduce the risk of SARS-CoV-2 infection expansion. The following paper aimed to present the most crucial aspects of SARS-CoV-2 infection from the point of view of forensic experts and pathologists, recommendations and safety precautions regarding autopsies, autopsy room requirements, possible techniques, examinations used for effective viral detection, recommendations regarding burials, and gross and microscopic pathological findings of the deceased who died due to SARS-CoV-2 infection. Autopsies remain the gold standard for determining the cause of death. Therefore, it would be beneficial to perform autopsies on patients with both suspected and confirmed COVID-19, especially those with coexisting comorbidities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jacek Baj
- Chair and Department of Anatomy, Medical University of Lublin, 20-090 Lublin, Poland
| | - Marzanna Ciesielka
- Chair and Department of Forensic Medicine, Medical University of Lublin, 20-090 Lublin, Poland
| | - Grzegorz Buszewicz
- Chair and Department of Forensic Medicine, Medical University of Lublin, 20-090 Lublin, Poland
| | - Ryszard Maciejewski
- Chair and Department of Anatomy, Medical University of Lublin, 20-090 Lublin, Poland
| | - Barbara Budzyńska
- Independent Laboratory of Behavioral Studies, Medical University of Lublin, 20-090 Lublin, Poland
| | - Piotr Listos
- Department and Clinic of Animal Internal Diseases, Sub-Department of Pathomorphology and ForensicMedicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Life Sciences in Lublin, Lubin, Poland
| | - Grzegorz Teresiński
- Chair and Department of Forensic Medicine, Medical University of Lublin, 20-090 Lublin, Poland
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Head and Brain Postmortem Computed Tomography-Autopsy Correlation in Hospital Deaths. Am J Forensic Med Pathol 2021; 41:163-175. [PMID: 32618580 DOI: 10.1097/paf.0000000000000538] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
The use of postmortem computed tomography (PMCT) to support autopsy pathology has increased in recent decades. To some extent, PMCT has also been contemplated as a potential alternative to conventional postmortem examination. The purpose of this study was to investigate the ability of PMCT to detect specific pathologic findings in the head and brain in natural hospital deaths.We examined postmortem CT images and autopsy data from 31 subjects who died at SUNY (State University of New York) Upstate University Hospital between 2013 and 2018. Each subject underwent a noncontrast PMCT and a traditional autopsy. A neuroradiologist analyzed PMCT images for head and brain abnormalities. The autopsies were performed by pathologists who were aware of the radiology results.In our series, PMCT was able to detect the majority of the significant space-occupying lesions, although it was not always reliable in ascertaining their nature. Postmortem computed tomography revealed findings usually challenging to detect at autopsy. Unfortunately, there were also situations in which PMCT was misleading, showing changes that were difficult to interpret, or that could be related to postmortem events. Therefore, we conclude PMCT should be used as an adjunct rather than a substitute to autopsy.
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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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Herath JC, Herath SO. Is it time for targeted and minimally invasive post-mortem examination using total body computed tomography in a medicolegal autopsy? Forensic Sci Med Pathol 2020; 17:175-176. [PMID: 32651929 DOI: 10.1007/s12024-020-00279-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/16/2020] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Jayantha C Herath
- Ontario Forensic Pathology Service, University of Toronto, 25 Morton Shulman Avenue, Toronto, Ontario, M3M 0B1, Canada.
| | - Sahan O Herath
- Medical Radiation Technology, Cambrian College, Sudbury, Ontario, Canada
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Hyodoh H, Matoba K, Murakami M, Saito A, Okuya N, Matoba T, Jin S. The infusion effect in postmortem lung CT. FORENSIC IMAGING 2020. [DOI: 10.1016/j.fri.2020.200367] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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Palhares AEM, Ferreira L, Freire M, Castillo P, Martínez MJ, Hurtado JC, Rakislova N, Varo R, Navarro M, Casas I, Vila J, Monteiro WM, Sanz A, Quintó L, Fernandes F, Carrilho C, Menéndez C, Ordi J, Bassat Q, Lacerda M. Performance of the minimally invasive autopsy tool for cause of death determination in adult deaths from the Brazilian Amazon: an observational study. Virchows Arch 2019; 475:649-658. [PMID: 31201504 PMCID: PMC6861203 DOI: 10.1007/s00428-019-02602-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2019] [Revised: 05/01/2019] [Accepted: 06/06/2019] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
The uncertainty about the real burden of causes of death (CoD) is increasingly recognized by the international health community as a critical limitation for prioritizing effective public health measures. The minimally invasive autopsy (MIA) has shown to be a satisfactory substitute of the complete diagnostic autopsy (CDA), the gold standard for CoD determination in low- and middle-income countries. However, more studies are needed to confirm its adequate performance in settings with different epidemiology. In this observational study, the CoD obtained with the MIA were compared with the clinical diagnosis and the results of the CDA in 61 deaths that occurred in an infectious diseases referral hospital in Manaus, Brazilian Amazon. Concordance between the categories of diseases obtained by the three methods was evaluated by the Kappa statistic. Additionally, we evaluated discrepancies between clinical and complete diagnostic autopsy diagnoses. The MIA showed a substantial concordance with the CDA (Kappa = 0.777, 95% CI 0.608-0.946), and a perfect or almost perfect coincidence in specific diagnosis (ICD-10 code) between MIA and CDA was observed in 85% of the cases. In contrast, the clinical diagnosis showed a fair concordance with the CDA (Kappa = 0.311, 95% CI 0.071-0.552). Major clinico-pathological discrepancies were identified in 49% of cases. In conclusion, the MIA showed a substantial performance for CoD identification. Clinico-pathological discrepancies remain high and justify the need for post-mortem studies, even in referral hospitals. The MIA is a robust substitute of the CDA for CoD surveillance and quality improvement of clinical practice in low- and middle-income settings.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Luiz Ferreira
- Fundação de Medicina Tropical Dr. Heitor Viera Dourado, Manaus, 69040-000, Brazil
| | - Monique Freire
- Fundação de Medicina Tropical Dr. Heitor Viera Dourado, Manaus, 69040-000, Brazil
| | - Paola Castillo
- ISGlobal-Hospital Clínic, Universitat de Barcelona, Villarroel 170, 08036, Barcelona, Spain
- Department of Pathology, Hospital Clinic - Universitat de Barcelona, Villarroel 170, 08036, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Miguel J Martínez
- ISGlobal-Hospital Clínic, Universitat de Barcelona, Villarroel 170, 08036, Barcelona, Spain
- Department of Microbiology, Hospital Clinic - Universitat de Barcelona, 08036, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Juan Carlos Hurtado
- ISGlobal-Hospital Clínic, Universitat de Barcelona, Villarroel 170, 08036, Barcelona, Spain
- Department of Microbiology, Hospital Clinic - Universitat de Barcelona, 08036, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Natalia Rakislova
- ISGlobal-Hospital Clínic, Universitat de Barcelona, Villarroel 170, 08036, Barcelona, Spain
- Department of Pathology, Hospital Clinic - Universitat de Barcelona, Villarroel 170, 08036, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Rosauro Varo
- ISGlobal-Hospital Clínic, Universitat de Barcelona, Villarroel 170, 08036, Barcelona, Spain
- Centro de Investigação em Saúde de Manhiça (CISM), 1929, Maputo, Mozambique
| | - Mireia Navarro
- ISGlobal-Hospital Clínic, Universitat de Barcelona, Villarroel 170, 08036, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Isaac Casas
- ISGlobal-Hospital Clínic, Universitat de Barcelona, Villarroel 170, 08036, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Jordi Vila
- ISGlobal-Hospital Clínic, Universitat de Barcelona, Villarroel 170, 08036, Barcelona, Spain
- Department of Microbiology, Hospital Clinic - Universitat de Barcelona, 08036, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Wuelton M Monteiro
- Fundação de Medicina Tropical Dr. Heitor Viera Dourado, Manaus, 69040-000, Brazil
- National Council for Scientific and Technological Development (CNPq, Brasilia, Brazil) fellow, Brasília, Brazil
| | - Ariadna Sanz
- ISGlobal-Hospital Clínic, Universitat de Barcelona, Villarroel 170, 08036, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Llorenç Quintó
- ISGlobal-Hospital Clínic, Universitat de Barcelona, Villarroel 170, 08036, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Fabiola Fernandes
- Department of Pathology, Maputo Central Hospital, 1653, Maputo, Mozambique
- Faculty of Medicine, Eduardo Mondlane University, 1653, Maputo, Mozambique
| | - Carla Carrilho
- Department of Pathology, Maputo Central Hospital, 1653, Maputo, Mozambique
- Faculty of Medicine, Eduardo Mondlane University, 1653, Maputo, Mozambique
| | - Clara Menéndez
- ISGlobal-Hospital Clínic, Universitat de Barcelona, Villarroel 170, 08036, Barcelona, Spain
- Centro de Investigação em Saúde de Manhiça (CISM), 1929, Maputo, Mozambique
| | - Jaume Ordi
- ISGlobal-Hospital Clínic, Universitat de Barcelona, Villarroel 170, 08036, Barcelona, Spain.
- Department of Pathology, Hospital Clinic - Universitat de Barcelona, Villarroel 170, 08036, Barcelona, Spain.
| | - Quique Bassat
- Centro de Investigação em Saúde de Manhiça (CISM), 1929, Maputo, Mozambique
- ICREA, Catalan Institution for Research and Advanced Studies, Passeig de Lluís Companys 23, 08010, Barcelona, Spain
- Paediatric Infectious Diseases Unit, Paediatrics Department, Hospital Sant Joan de Déu - Universitat de Barcelona, 8950, Barcelona, Spain
- Consorcio de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Epidemiología y Salud Pública (CIBERESP), 28029, Madrid, Spain
| | - Marcus Lacerda
- Fundação de Medicina Tropical Dr. Heitor Viera Dourado, Manaus, 69040-000, Brazil
- National Council for Scientific and Technological Development (CNPq, Brasilia, Brazil) fellow, Brasília, Brazil
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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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Implementation of modern tools in autopsy practice-the way towards contemporary postmortal diagnostics. Virchows Arch 2018; 474:149-158. [PMID: 30426205 DOI: 10.1007/s00428-018-2482-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2018] [Revised: 10/11/2018] [Accepted: 11/01/2018] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
Medical, legal, and socioeconomic issues have contributed to the decline of autopsy rates. Pathology-related factors, however, with changing clinical duties on the one hand and decreasing interest and lack of substantial technical developments in this field on the other, may have contributed to this condition as well. We present our experience of a restructuring project that culminated in the introduction of a modernized postmortal diagnostic (PMD) unit: Workflows of PMD procedures and space organization were restructured according to LEAN management principles method. Classical autopsy suites were transformed into postmortal operating rooms. A PMD pathologist staff was designated to perform postmortal operative diagnostics (i.e., using laparotomy and thoracotomy approaches) with the intention of gradually replacing classical autopsy procedures. Postmortal minimal invasive diagnostics (PMID) using laparoscopy and thoracoscopy were successfully implemented with the expertise of clinical colleagues. Reorganization of workflow reduced turn-around times for PMD reports from a median of 33 days to 15 days. Short-term analysis revealed that this combined effort leads to a slight increase in the number of adult postmortal examinations 1 year after the introduction of this project. A change of culture in postmortal diagnostics may contribute to a better reputation of postmortal examinations from the perspective of clinicians, the general public, and affected relatives of the deceased. It may also serve to demonstrate that the pathology community is keen not only to preserve but also to further develop this valuable tool for medical quality control and education.
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