TY - CHAP
T1 - Forensic Post-Mortem Imaging and Associated Technologies
AU - Hardy, Joey C. A.
AU - de Heus, Gisela
AU - Duijst, Wilma L. J. M.
AU - Latten, Bartholomeus G. H.
AU - Hofman, Paul A. M.
AU - van Rijn, Rick R.
N1 - Publisher Copyright: © 2024 Taylor & Francis Group, LLC
PY - 2024/1/1
Y1 - 2024/1/1
N2 - Forensic post-mortem imaging refers to the act of performing radiologic examination(s) or other imaging procedures on the deceased to assist in forensic investigations and legal inquiries. It is a relatively new and rapidly developing discipline in the forensic field. Nevertheless, the first application of radiology for forensic purposes occurred over a decade ago. This Chapter briefly discusses the history and evolution of forensic radiology. The procedural and technologic aspects of routinely employed forensic imaging techniques are discussed, such as post-mortem computed tomography (with angiography) and post-mortem magnetic resonance imaging, as well as promising future prospects in this field. Radiologic examination of the living is not the same as radiologic examination of the dead. Post-mortem changes and decomposition represent potential pitfalls for a radiologist inexperienced in post-mortem imaging, as shown in this chapter. The added value of forensic post-mortem imaging is explained for common forensic casework, such as gunshot fatalities and strangulation. Additionally, the role of post-mortem radiology in particular forensic circumstances is discussed, such as the examination of the (initially) undetermined death and the deceased fetus or child. As shown in this chapter, a close collaboration between forensic radiologists and other forensic experts is required to reach the full potential of forensic imaging.
AB - Forensic post-mortem imaging refers to the act of performing radiologic examination(s) or other imaging procedures on the deceased to assist in forensic investigations and legal inquiries. It is a relatively new and rapidly developing discipline in the forensic field. Nevertheless, the first application of radiology for forensic purposes occurred over a decade ago. This Chapter briefly discusses the history and evolution of forensic radiology. The procedural and technologic aspects of routinely employed forensic imaging techniques are discussed, such as post-mortem computed tomography (with angiography) and post-mortem magnetic resonance imaging, as well as promising future prospects in this field. Radiologic examination of the living is not the same as radiologic examination of the dead. Post-mortem changes and decomposition represent potential pitfalls for a radiologist inexperienced in post-mortem imaging, as shown in this chapter. The added value of forensic post-mortem imaging is explained for common forensic casework, such as gunshot fatalities and strangulation. Additionally, the role of post-mortem radiology in particular forensic circumstances is discussed, such as the examination of the (initially) undetermined death and the deceased fetus or child. As shown in this chapter, a close collaboration between forensic radiologists and other forensic experts is required to reach the full potential of forensic imaging.
UR - http://www.scopus.com/inward/record.url?scp=85188681890&partnerID=8YFLogxK
U2 - 10.1201/9781003138754-25
DO - 10.1201/9781003138754-25
M3 - Chapter
SN - 9780367672454
T3 - Forensic and Legal Medicine: Clinical and Pathological Aspects
SP - 169
EP - 192
BT - Forensic and Legal Medicine
PB - CRC Press
ER -