Forensic Imaging最新文献

{"title":"Sex determination in the living by the study of MRI-scan images of the Knee region in Tunisia","authors":"Ikram Kort, Meriem Belhadj, Dorra Oualha, Mohamed Amine Zaara, Khaled Bchir, Nidhal Hajsalem","doi":"10.1016/j.fri.2026.200728","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.fri.2026.200728","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>Accurate sex estimation is a fundamental component of constructing the biological profile of human remains and has become increasingly important in the context of rising cross-border migration within Europe.</div></div><div>Accurate sex estimation is a fundamental component of constructing the biological profile of human remains and has become increasingly important in the context of rising cross-border migration within Europe.</div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>We retrospectively included reviewed all knee MRI scans performed for diagnostic purposes, between May 2015 and March 2020, in the forensic department of the teaching hospital Fattouma Bourguiba of Monastir, Tunisia. we studied the applicability of different morphological and 3D volumetric measurements.</div></div><div>We retrospectively included reviewed all knee MRI scans performed for diagnostic purposes, between May 2015 and March 2020, in the forensic department of the teaching hospital Fattouma Bourguiba of Monastir, Tunisia. we studied the applicability of different morphological and 3D volumetric measurements.</div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>We retrospectively analyzed 605 knee MRI scans (219 women and 386 men), with a mean age of 31.9 ± 11.89 years. All of the investigated variables demonstrated clear sexual dimorphism, with consistently larger measurements in men. Condylar area and bicondylar width showed the strongest discriminatory power for sex determination. Measurement repeatability and reproducibility were good to very good (intraclass correlation coefficient: 0.6–0.9). Morphometric and volumetric variables were used to develop an unstandardized canonical discriminant function, which classified sex with a specificity of 94% and a sensitivity of 79%. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis of the sex-dimorphism score yielded an area under the curve of 93.2%.</div></div><div>We retrospectively analyzed 605 knee MRI scans (219 women and 386 men), with a mean age of 31.9 ± 11.89 years. All of the investigated variables demonstrated clear sexual dimorphism, with consistently larger measurements in men. Condylar area and bicondylar width showed the strongest discriminatory power for sex determination. Measurement repeatability and reproducibility were good to very good (intraclass correlation coefficient: 0.6–0.9). Morphometric and volumetric variables were used to develop an unstandardized canonical discriminant function, which classified sex with a specificity of 94% and a sensitivity of 79%. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis of the sex-dimorphism score yielded an area under the curve of 93.2%.</div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><div>Sex estimation was successfully achieved using the proposed discriminant score. The knee region represents a reliable anatomical site for sex determination, and the established score may assist forensic pathologists across Mediterranean countries in accurately determining sex when dealing with incomplete ","PeriodicalId":40763,"journal":{"name":"Forensic Imaging","volume":"45 ","pages":"Article 200728"},"PeriodicalIF":1.0,"publicationDate":"2026-05-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147952050","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Formation and current trends in the development of forensic odontology in Ukraine","authors":"Oleksandr Pavliukovych , Viktor Bachynskyi , Nataliia Pavliukovych","doi":"10.1016/j.fri.2026.200772","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.fri.2026.200772","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Problem Forensic odontology in Ukraine has historically been an underdeveloped component of forensic identification. The need for precise identification of deceased individuals has sharply increased during wartime, revealing gaps in technical capabilities, standardized methodologies, and expert training. Before recent reforms, many forensic bureaus lacked targeted radiographic equipment, unified coding systems for dental status, and practical experience in comparing antemortem and postmortem dental data. These limitations often hindered the speed and accuracy of identification procedures, especially in cases involving fragmented remains or advanced postmortem changes.</div><div>Innovation: Recent developments have transformed forensic odontology into a structured and technologically enhanced field. Each forensic bureau has been equipped with targeted intraoral radiographic devices, enabling high-quality imaging and regional-level odontological examinations. Professional programs now include modern international standards, particularly DVI Interpol protocols for dental coding. Experts undergo practical training in analyzing intraoral images, orthopantomograms, maxillofacial injuries, and archival cases of unidentified individuals. Additionally, digitalization plays a major role: artificial intelligence tools, automated imaging systems, and digital dental databases have begun integrating into identification workflows, significantly expanding analytical capabilities.</div><div>Impact: These innovations result in markedly improved accuracy, reliability, and standardization of identification procedures across the country. The introduction of modern radiographic equipment and unified methods reduces diagnostic errors and enhances the comparability of dental records. Digital technologies accelerate data processing and support evidence-based decision-making. As a result, forensic odontology has become a robust pillar within the national identification system, strengthening Ukraine’s overall forensic capacity and contributing to timely, accurate identification of deceased individuals during large-scale emergencies and military conflicts.</div></div><div>Problem Forensic odontology in Ukraine has historically been an underdeveloped component of forensic identification. The need for precise identification of deceased individuals has sharply increased during wartime, revealing gaps in technical capabilities, standardized methodologies, and expert training. Before recent reforms, many forensic bureaus lacked targeted radiographic equipment, unified coding systems for dental status, and practical experience in comparing antemortem and postmortem dental data. These limitations often hindered the speed and accuracy of identification procedures, especially in cases involving fragmented remains or advanced postmortem changes.</div><div>Innovation: Recent developments have transformed forensic odontology into a structured and technologically enhanced fiel","PeriodicalId":40763,"journal":{"name":"Forensic Imaging","volume":"45 ","pages":"Article 200772"},"PeriodicalIF":1.0,"publicationDate":"2026-05-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147951089","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Standardizing Forensic Radiology in the Netherlands","authors":"Karien van den Doel, Nick Laan","doi":"10.1016/j.fri.2026.200763","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.fri.2026.200763","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Until 2010, there was no legal quality system for (forensic) experts in criminal law procedures in the Netherlands: it was up to the judges to determine the capability of an expert. Opinions of ‘non-experts’ have led to several miscarriages of justice. The Netherlands Register of Court Experts (NRGD) was established to endeavor eliminating miscarriages of justice and assure the quality of forensic experts. As system in which standards are set in conjunction with experts from the field and experts are assessed by their peers on their ability to perform a proper forensic investigation and give a reliable and accurate statement, was set up.</div><div>The NRGD is a leading example in the world and is the only known organization with a legal basis, an independent position and structural funding. It’s the register’s task to assure and improve a consistent, high quality of forensic expertise used in criminal law procedures. The NRGD is open for applications from domestic as well as foreign candidates.</div><div>Currently, the register has developed standards for thirteen fields of expertise, such as DNA-analysis, Forensic Toxicology and Pathology. The register has over 600 registered experts and is still growing.</div><div>In 2024 the NRGD started the process to standardize Forensic Radiology as well. Together with seven (inter)national committee members, the tasks and corresponding competencies an expert should have, are written down. At this moment the Standards are available for public consultation. After that, the Standards will be finalized and a pilot for assessing applications will be organized. By May 2026, the first assessments of our future assessors are planned.</div><div>This presentation will cover the current affairs of the NRGD regarding the standardizing procedure and the required competencies to become an NRGD registered expert in Forensic Radiology.</div></div><div>Until 2010, there was no legal quality system for (forensic) experts in criminal law procedures in the Netherlands: it was up to the judges to determine the capability of an expert. Opinions of ‘non-experts’ have led to several miscarriages of justice. The Netherlands Register of Court Experts (NRGD) was established to endeavor eliminating miscarriages of justice and assure the quality of forensic experts. As system in which standards are set in conjunction with experts from the field and experts are assessed by their peers on their ability to perform a proper forensic investigation and give a reliable and accurate statement, was set up.</div><div>The NRGD is a leading example in the world and is the only known organization with a legal basis, an independent position and structural funding. It’s the register’s task to assure and improve a consistent, high quality of forensic expertise used in criminal law procedures. The NRGD is open for applications from domestic as well as foreign candidates.</div><div>Currently, the register has developed standards for thirteen ","PeriodicalId":40763,"journal":{"name":"Forensic Imaging","volume":"45 ","pages":"Article 200763"},"PeriodicalIF":1.0,"publicationDate":"2026-05-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147951468","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Sex estimation using coxal bone measurements and machine learning techniques","authors":"Diana Toneva , Silviya Nikolova , Gennady Agre , Nevena Fileva , Georgi Milenov , Dora Zlatareva","doi":"10.1016/j.fri.2026.200697","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.fri.2026.200697","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>The pelvis exhibits the greatest sexual dimorphism in the human skeleton, primarily due to its involvement in the birth process. The coxal bones constitute the major part of the pelvis and show distinct sex differences in size and shape. The present study aims to evaluate the sex differences in coxal bone measurements and to develop machine learning models for sex estimation.</div></div><div>The pelvis exhibits the greatest sexual dimorphism in the human skeleton, primarily due to its involvement in the birth process. The coxal bones constitute the major part of the pelvis and show distinct sex differences in size and shape. The present study aims to evaluate the sex differences in coxal bone measurements and to develop machine learning models for sex estimation.</div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>A total of 276 (136 males and 140 females) abdominal computed tomography (CT) scans of adult Bulgarians were included in the study. Three-dimensional surface models of the pelvis were generated from the CT data using InVesalius. Thirty-four anatomical landmarks located on the coxal bones were digitized using MeshLab. In cases of incomplete landmark data, the missing values were imputed using a preprocessing technique for data imputation. Based on the landmark coordinates, a large set of measurements describing the coxal bones was calculated. All coxal bone dimensions were tested for statistically significant differences between males and females. Support vector machines and logistic regression were employed to train sex classification models. Feature selection methods were applied to identify the most informative coxal bone measurements for sex estimation. The data processing and model training were performed using Python libraries in JupyterLab.</div></div><div>A total of 276 (136 males and 140 females) abdominal computed tomography (CT) scans of adult Bulgarians were included in the study. Three-dimensional surface models of the pelvis were generated from the CT data using InVesalius. Thirty-four anatomical landmarks located on the coxal bones were digitized using MeshLab. In cases of incomplete landmark data, the missing values were imputed using a preprocessing technique for data imputation. Based on the landmark coordinates, a large set of measurements describing the coxal bones was calculated. All coxal bone dimensions were tested for statistically significant differences between males and females. Support vector machines and logistic regression were employed to train sex classification models. Feature selection methods were applied to identify the most informative coxal bone measurements for sex estimation. The data processing and model training were performed using Python libraries in JupyterLab.</div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>The results demonstrated strong sexual dimorphism in coxal bone dimensions. The trained models attained accuracy rates between 95% and 100%, indicating the high sex discriminative ability of coxal ","PeriodicalId":40763,"journal":{"name":"Forensic Imaging","volume":"45 ","pages":"Article 200697"},"PeriodicalIF":1.0,"publicationDate":"2026-05-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147951619","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Criminal brain","authors":"Eduardo Gonzalez-Toledo, Daniel Silva","doi":"10.1016/j.fri.2026.200737","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.fri.2026.200737","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>Neuroimaging has emerged as a valuable tool in forensic medicine for characterizing structural and functional abnormalities associated with violent behavior. We examined the neurobiological features of individuals involved in severe criminal acts to identify convergent patterns across cases.</div></div><div>Neuroimaging has emerged as a valuable tool in forensic medicine for characterizing structural and functional abnormalities associated with violent behavior. We examined the neurobiological features of individuals involved in severe criminal acts to identify convergent patterns across cases.</div><div><h3>Materials and Methods</h3><div>We analyzed the brains of three homicide offenders and one individual convicted of attempted first-degree murder. One case was studied in-vivo using a 0.02 T Instrumentarium system with T1-weighted, T2-weighted, and proton-density sequences. The remaining cases underwent in-vivo 3T MRI (GE Healthcare), including T1WI, T2WI, SWI, FLAIR, diffusion tensor imaging (DTI), magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS), and resting-state fMRI (rs-fMRI). Clinical histories revealed prior herpesvirus encephalitis, substance-related brain injury, and malignant neoplasm in the homicide cases/ the attempted-murder case presented frontotemporal dementia.</div></div><div>We analyzed the brains of three homicide offenders and one individual convicted of attempted first-degree murder. One case was studied in-vivo using a 0.02 T Instrumentarium system with T1-weighted, T2-weighted, and proton-density sequences. The remaining cases underwent in-vivo 3T MRI (GE Healthcare), including T1WI, T2WI, SWI, FLAIR, diffusion tensor imaging (DTI), magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS), and resting-state fMRI (rs-fMRI). Clinical histories revealed prior herpesvirus encephalitis, substance-related brain injury, and malignant neoplasm in the homicide cases/ the attempted-murder case presented frontotemporal dementia.</div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Across subjects, convergent abnormalities included orbitofrontal cortex lesions, disruption of the uncinate fasciculus, and reduced functional connectivity between the anterior and posterior cingulate cortex, hippocampus, and orbitofrontal regions. All cases demonstrated a decreased DTI-ALPS index, suggesting impaired glymphatic or perivascular clearance pathways.</div></div><div>Across subjects, convergent abnormalities included orbitofrontal cortex lesions, disruption of the uncinate fasciculus, and reduced functional connectivity between the anterior and posterior cingulate cortex, hippocampus, and orbitofrontal regions. All cases demonstrated a decreased DTI-ALPS index, suggesting impaired glymphatic or perivascular clearance pathways.</div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>Despite heterogeneous etiologies, a consistent pattern of structural and connectivity abnormalities was observed in individuals involved in severe violent crimes. Advanced MRI may contribute to the forensic ev","PeriodicalId":40763,"journal":{"name":"Forensic Imaging","volume":"45 ","pages":"Article 200737"},"PeriodicalIF":1.0,"publicationDate":"2026-05-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147951795","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"No PMCT angiogram? No problem! Contrast-enhanced Lodox® imaging for post-mortem vascular assessment in resource-limited South African settings","authors":"Thaakirah Hartley, Lienke Perold, Janette Verster","doi":"10.1016/j.fri.2026.200766","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.fri.2026.200766","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>Post-mortem CT angiography (PMCTA) is internationally accepted as the gold standard for non-invasive post-mortem vascular assessment. However, its implementation in South Africa is severely limited by cost and infrastructure. Lodox® Statscan, a low-dose, full-body digital radiography system widely available in local mortuaries, presents an opportunity to explore an alternative, practical approach.</div></div><div>Post-mortem CT angiography (PMCTA) is internationally accepted as the gold standard for non-invasive post-mortem vascular assessment. However, its implementation in South Africa is severely limited by cost and infrastructure. Lodox® Statscan, a low-dose, full-body digital radiography system widely available in local mortuaries, presents an opportunity to explore an alternative, practical approach.</div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>We report the application of contrast-enhanced Lodox® imaging in a 75-year-old postoperative decedent with known peripheral arterial embolic disease. The left subclavian artery was cannulated, and incremental doses of iodinated contrast were administered. Serial Lodox® images were acquired to assess arterial contrast progression and identify areas of non-opacification. Findings were subsequently correlated with targeted autopsy dissection.</div></div><div>We report the application of contrast-enhanced Lodox® imaging in a 75-year-old postoperative decedent with known peripheral arterial embolic disease. The left subclavian artery was cannulated, and incremental doses of iodinated contrast were administered. Serial Lodox® images were acquired to assess arterial contrast progression and identify areas of non-opacification. Findings were subsequently correlated with targeted autopsy dissection.</div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Contrast-enhanced Lodox® imaging clearly demonstrated a level of occlusion in the distal brachial and forearm arteries, which guided a focused dissection strategy. Autopsy confirmed embolic occlusion of the radial and ulnar arteries. The technique facilitated rapid vascular assessment, minimised manipulation of the body, and reduced the required contrast volume. Limitations included incomplete vascular filling due to manual perfusion, two-dimensional imaging, and reduced detection of distal microvascular pathology.</div></div><div>Contrast-enhanced Lodox® imaging clearly demonstrated a level of occlusion in the distal brachial and forearm arteries, which guided a focused dissection strategy. Autopsy confirmed embolic occlusion of the radial and ulnar arteries. The technique facilitated rapid vascular assessment, minimised manipulation of the body, and reduced the required contrast volume. Limitations included incomplete vascular filling due to manual perfusion, two-dimensional imaging, and reduced detection of distal microvascular pathology.</div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><div>Contrast-enhanced Lodox® imaging is a feasible, cost-effective adjunct for post-mortem vascula","PeriodicalId":40763,"journal":{"name":"Forensic Imaging","volume":"45 ","pages":"Article 200766"},"PeriodicalIF":1.0,"publicationDate":"2026-05-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147951967","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"A deep learning approach for personal identification from postmortem CT and antemortem chest X-rays","authors":"Ryusei Inamori , Tomoya Kobayashi , Takaya Kawasumi , Hidekazu Kanayama , Yeji Kim , Yongsu Yoon , Yohei Inaba , Akihito Usui , Yoshikazu Okamoto","doi":"10.1016/j.fri.2026.200773","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.fri.2026.200773","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>Rapid and accurate personal identification of unidentified bodies is crucial in disaster and forensic settings. Conventional methods, such as dental record comparison and DNA analysis, are highly accurate but require substantial time and cost, limiting their prompt applicability. In contrast, chest X-rays (CXR) are routinely acquired during health checkups and in hospitals, providing a widely available imaging resource. This study aimed to develop an artificial intelligence (AI)–based approach for matching postmortem computed tomography (PMCT) images with antemortem CXRs to enable rapid disaster victim identification (DVI).</div></div><div>Rapid and accurate personal identification of unidentified bodies is crucial in disaster and forensic settings. Conventional methods, such as dental record comparison and DNA analysis, are highly accurate but require substantial time and cost, limiting their prompt applicability. In contrast, chest X-rays (CXR) are routinely acquired during health checkups and in hospitals, providing a widely available imaging resource. This study aimed to develop an artificial intelligence (AI)–based approach for matching postmortem computed tomography (PMCT) images with antemortem CXRs to enable rapid disaster victim identification (DVI).</div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>We collected paired data comprising PMCT scans from 532 individuals acquired at Shimane University Hospital between June 2011 and February 2014 and their oldest available antemortem CXR. A projection technique (RaySum) was applied to the PMCT data to generate CXR-like image. A deep learning–based model was developed to match PMCT-derived images with antemortem CXRs. The identification performance was evaluated using the proportion of cases in which the correct match was ranked within the top n candidates (Top-1 to Top-50).</div></div><div>We collected paired data comprising PMCT scans from 532 individuals acquired at Shimane University Hospital between June 2011 and February 2014 and their oldest available antemortem CXR. A projection technique (RaySum) was applied to the PMCT data to generate CXR-like image. A deep learning–based model was developed to match PMCT-derived images with antemortem CXRs. The identification performance was evaluated using the proportion of cases in which the correct match was ranked within the top n candidates (Top-1 to Top-50).</div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>The model achieved a Top-1 accuracy of 78%, Top-5 of 91%, Top-10 of 94%, Top-20 of 96%, Top-30 of 97%, Top-40 of 97%, and Top-50 of 98%.</div></div><div>The model achieved a Top-1 accuracy of 78%, Top-5 of 91%, Top-10 of 94%, Top-20 of 96%, Top-30 of 97%, Top-40 of 97%, and Top-50 of 98%.</div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><div>The proposed AI-based method enabled personal identification with 78% accuracy at Top-1 and over 90% at Top-5 or higher accuracy. Top-1 performance may be applicable in forensic cases where potential identities are already suspect","PeriodicalId":40763,"journal":{"name":"Forensic Imaging","volume":"45 ","pages":"Article 200773"},"PeriodicalIF":1.0,"publicationDate":"2026-05-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147951090","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Fragment / particles size in skull fractures to differentiate cases of blunt trauma and firearm injury","authors":"Wolf Schweitzer , Sabinne Langhart , Carlo Tappero , Vasiliki Chatzaraki , Constantin Lux , Haruki Fukuda , Florian Kreitmeier , Mattias Kettner , Stephan Bolliger , Eloisa Leone","doi":"10.1016/j.fri.2026.200781","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.fri.2026.200781","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>Differentiating blunt trauma from firearm injury can be challenging, particularly when dealing with comminuted cranial fractures. One observation suggesting a diagnostic clue was the scatter pattern of small bone fragments. The hypothesis tested was that firearm injuries produce smaller fragments that remain clustered more closely than those resulting from blunt trauma.</div></div><div>Differentiating blunt trauma from firearm injury can be challenging, particularly when dealing with comminuted cranial fractures. One observation suggesting a diagnostic clue was the scatter pattern of small bone fragments. The hypothesis tested was that firearm injuries produce smaller fragments that remain clustered more closely than those resulting from blunt trauma.</div><div><h3>Material and Methods</h3><div>Four cases of cranial firearm injury and four cases of high-energy blunt trauma (pedestrian–train collisions) were arbitrarily selected. All cases underwent PMCT using a Siemens Somatom Definition Flash scanner following standard protocols (Flach et al.). CT datasets were segmented for the head region, selecting material with a density ≥ 300 HU. Metric analysis was performed on all fragments< 8 mm. Visualization was done in syngo.via (Siemens Healthineers, Switzerland) and Blender 4.4 (Blender Foundation, Amsterdam, NL) according to Decker et al. Statistical analysis used SAS software (SAS Institute, Cary, NC, USA).</div></div><div>Four cases of cranial firearm injury and four cases of high-energy blunt trauma (pedestrian–train collisions) were arbitrarily selected. All cases underwent PMCT using a Siemens Somatom Definition Flash scanner following standard protocols (Flach et al.). CT datasets were segmented for the head region, selecting material with a density ≥ 300 HU. Metric analysis was performed on all fragments< 8 mm. Visualization was done in syngo.via (Siemens Healthineers, Switzerland) and Blender 4.4 (Blender Foundation, Amsterdam, NL) according to Decker et al. Statistical analysis used SAS software (SAS Institute, Cary, NC, USA).</div><div><h3>Results and Discussion</h3><div>Preliminary results showed distinct size distributions between firearm and blunt trauma fragments (Wilcoxon p < 0.001). Max. fragment extent [mm], Firearm injury: 25% 0.46 | Median 0.58 | 75% 1.17, Blunt trauma: 25% 0.56 | Median 1.20 | 75% 2.67.</div><div>Fragments < 8 mm were localized along the wound tract in firearm injuries, but more diffusely distributed in blunt trauma. Inter-fragment distances were smaller for firearm injuries (Wilcoxon p < 0.001). Inter-fragment distance [mm], Firearm injury: 25% 1.30 | Median 1.99 | 75% 3.26, Blunt trauma: 25% 2.31 | Median 4.02 | 75% 7.18.</div><div>Distinguishing small metallic particles from bone remains difficult due to partial-volume effects. Fragment loss in severe trauma or decomposition limits interpretation. Whole-skull segmentation introduces issues from small non-relevant st","PeriodicalId":40763,"journal":{"name":"Forensic Imaging","volume":"45 ","pages":"Article 200781"},"PeriodicalIF":1.0,"publicationDate":"2026-05-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147951594","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Postmortem computed tomography-based evaluation of brain decomposition: Correlation with postmortem interval and cause-of-death determinability","authors":"Haruki Fukuda , Hiroyuki Tokue , Miyuki Shiraishi , Takuya Ishikawa , Akari Kimimura , Kensuke Takatsu , Kouji Oka , Rieko Kubo , Tadashi Hosoya","doi":"10.1016/j.fri.2026.200688","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.fri.2026.200688","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>Accurately estimating the postmortem interval (PMI) is essential for forensic investigations. Brain decomposition observed on postmortem computed tomography (PMCT) may provide useful markers to estimate PMI, however, this approach has not been extensively studied. The aim of this study was to classify and quantify brain decomposition using PMCT findings and to investigate its association with PMI, determinability of cause of death, and environmental factors.</div></div><div>Accurately estimating the postmortem interval (PMI) is essential for forensic investigations. Brain decomposition observed on postmortem computed tomography (PMCT) may provide useful markers to estimate PMI, however, this approach has not been extensively studied. The aim of this study was to classify and quantify brain decomposition using PMCT findings and to investigate its association with PMI, determinability of cause of death, and environmental factors.</div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>We retrospectively analyzed 176 adult autopsy cases involving preautopsy PMCT. Brain decomposition was classified into five stages using the visual PMCT findings and quantified using brain area-to-length ratios on axial computed tomography slices. Associations between the PMI and determinability of the cause of death were assessed using correlation and regression analyses.</div></div><div>We retrospectively analyzed 176 adult autopsy cases involving preautopsy PMCT. Brain decomposition was classified into five stages using the visual PMCT findings and quantified using brain area-to-length ratios on axial computed tomography slices. Associations between the PMI and determinability of the cause of death were assessed using correlation and regression analyses.</div><div><h3>Result</h3><div>Brain decomposition stage and quantitative indices showed strong correlations with PMI (ρ = 0.61 to − 0.69), with high predictive performance for estimating PMI ≥ 7–60 days (area under the curves [AUCs]: 0.904–0.984). Brain area ratio showed the highest accuracy for estimating PMI ≥ 60 days (AUC = 0.984, cutoff ≤ 60.7 %). The rate of undetermined causes of death increased from 7.1 % in stage 0 to 92.9 % in Stage IV. Brain deformation ratio was positively correlated with seasonal effects (p = 0.0017).</div></div><div>Brain decomposition stage and quantitative indices showed strong correlations with PMI (ρ = 0.61 to − 0.69), with high predictive performance for estimating PMI ≥ 7–60 days (area under the curves [AUCs]: 0.904–0.984). Brain area ratio showed the highest accuracy for estimating PMI ≥ 60 days (AUC = 0.984, cutoff ≤ 60.7 %). The rate of undetermined causes of death increased from 7.1 % in stage 0 to 92.9 % in Stage IV. Brain deformation ratio was positively correlated with seasonal effects (p = 0.0017).</div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>PMCT-based assessment of brain decomposition may provide objective markers for estimating late PMIs and assist in evaluating the likelihoo","PeriodicalId":40763,"journal":{"name":"Forensic Imaging","volume":"45 ","pages":"Article 200688"},"PeriodicalIF":1.0,"publicationDate":"2026-05-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147951787","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Addressing the Legal Challenges: A Crucial Step for the Efficient Use of Advanced Postmortem Radiological Techniques in India","authors":"Amit M Patil","doi":"10.1016/j.fri.2026.200739","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.fri.2026.200739","url":null,"abstract":"<div><ul><li><span>1.</span><span><div>Relevant legal sections of the Indian Legal System concerning postmortem examination, CT scans, and Xrays scan as scientific evidence.</div></span></li><li><span>2.</span><span><div>Prevalent postgraduate teaching and training in Forensic Medicine</div></span></li><li><span>3.</span><span><div>Who is the expert? – relevant educational qualifications and expertise.</div></span></li><li><span>4.</span><span><div>There is a need to formulate educational policies for teaching and learning in postmortem radiology.</div></span></li><li><span>5.</span><span><div>Creating awareness about these techniques in the medical and judiciary.</div></span></li></ul></div><div><h3>Purpose</h3><div>The main objective of this presentation is to explore the legal validity of using postmortem images or scans in terms of the prevalent Indian Legal System, specifically with the Bhartiya Nagrik Nyaya Sanhita 2023 (BNSS), Bhartiya Sakshya Adhiniyam 2023 (BSA), the Information Technology Act 2000 (IT Act), etc. The second objective is to discuss the prevalent postgraduate teaching and training system in Forensic Medicine regarding Forensic radiology. There are concerns regarding the correctness and dependability of postmortem image findings compared to the conventional invasive autopsy findings, and this may create doubt and uncertainty in the use and acceptance of postmortem images as evidence in legal proceedings. However, with correct policies, protocols, awareness and guidelines, the use of postmortem imaging techniques and their evidential acceptability can be established in the Indian legal and medicolegal system.</div></div><div>The main objective of this presentation is to explore the legal validity of using postmortem images or scans in terms of the prevalent Indian Legal System, specifically with the Bhartiya Nagrik Nyaya Sanhita 2023 (BNSS), Bhartiya Sakshya Adhiniyam 2023 (BSA), the Information Technology Act 2000 (IT Act), etc. The second objective is to discuss the prevalent postgraduate teaching and training system in Forensic Medicine regarding Forensic radiology. There are concerns regarding the correctness and dependability of postmortem image findings compared to the conventional invasive autopsy findings, and this may create doubt and uncertainty in the use and acceptance of postmortem images as evidence in legal proceedings. However, with correct policies, protocols, awareness and guidelines, the use of postmortem imaging techniques and their evidential acceptability can be established in the Indian legal and medicolegal system.</div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>Effectively addressing the above legal challenges will ensure the efficient use of these advanced postmortem radiological techniques. This will not only enhance the quality of evidence in legal proceedings but also streamline the process of postmortem examinations in India.</div></div><div>Effectively addressing the above legal challenges will ensure the ef","PeriodicalId":40763,"journal":{"name":"Forensic Imaging","volume":"45 ","pages":"Article 200739"},"PeriodicalIF":1.0,"publicationDate":"2026-05-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147951797","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}