Forensic Imaging最新文献

{"title":"Is there enough ante-mortem radiographic material for disaster victim identification? – current trends in Polish and Swedish hospitals","authors":"Victoria Prokopowicz , Aleksandra Borowska-Solonynko , Carl-Simon Pihl","doi":"10.1016/j.fri.2026.200700","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.fri.2026.200700","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>The current international gold standard in identification of unknown deceased, based on Interpol’s 2023 Disaster Victim Identification (DVI) guide, first lines comparing ante-mortem and post-mortem fingerprints, genetics, or teeth. However, given the rising amount of post-mortem computed tomography scans being performed, many medicolegal researchers have increasingly been experimenting with comparing ante-mortem and post-mortem computed tomography scans for this purpose. While their studies show that this is an effective method with many benefits, sceptics have questioned whether there is enough ante-mortem radiographic material for performing these comparisons in real world scenarios. We sought to answer this question.</div></div><div>The current international gold standard in identification of unknown deceased, based on Interpol’s 2023 Disaster Victim Identification (DVI) guide, first lines comparing ante-mortem and post-mortem fingerprints, genetics, or teeth. However, given the rising amount of post-mortem computed tomography scans being performed, many medicolegal researchers have increasingly been experimenting with comparing ante-mortem and post-mortem computed tomography scans for this purpose. While their studies show that this is an effective method with many benefits, sceptics have questioned whether there is enough ante-mortem radiographic material for performing these comparisons in real world scenarios. We sought to answer this question.</div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>We petitioned multiple hospitals in Poland and Sweden for statistical data regarding the amount and type of radiographic studies they performed over a five-year period (2019-2024). We received quantifiable data from four hospitals in Poland and four hospitals in Sweden. We analysed these stats with a focus on trends over the five-year period.</div></div><div>We petitioned multiple hospitals in Poland and Sweden for statistical data regarding the amount and type of radiographic studies they performed over a five-year period (2019-2024). We received quantifiable data from four hospitals in Poland and four hospitals in Sweden. We analysed these stats with a focus on trends over the five-year period.</div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Preliminary results show that from 2019 to 2024 there was a general increase in ante-mortem computed tomography performed clinically. Analysis of smaller scale trends are currently being performed and will be presented during the conference.</div></div><div>Preliminary results show that from 2019 to 2024 there was a general increase in ante-mortem computed tomography performed clinically. Analysis of smaller scale trends are currently being performed and will be presented during the conference.</div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><div>If trends from these hospitals can be extrapolated even more internationally, and if these patterns continue into the future, they show that there is not a lack of ante-mortem radiographic mat","PeriodicalId":40763,"journal":{"name":"Forensic Imaging","volume":"45 ","pages":"Article 200700"},"PeriodicalIF":1.0,"publicationDate":"2026-05-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147951621","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":"Towards 3D Quantitative CT of Post-mortem Vertebrae Using a Bayesian Latent Variable Model: A Preliminary Feasibility Study","authors":"Hiroki Kondou, Hiroshi Ikegaya","doi":"10.1016/j.fri.2026.200689","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.fri.2026.200689","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>Quantitative computed tomography (QCT) is widely used to assess bone mineral density (BMD), but conventional methods rely on 2D regions of interest (ROI) and are vulnerable to slice selection, ROI definition, focal calcifications, and—in post-mortem imaging—decomposition gas within trabecular bone or artifacts caused by lowered arms. These limitations may hamper the use of BMD for the estimation of age-at-death and ante-mortem health assessment in forensic practice.</div></div><div>Quantitative computed tomography (QCT) is widely used to assess bone mineral density (BMD), but conventional methods rely on 2D regions of interest (ROI) and are vulnerable to slice selection, ROI definition, focal calcifications, and—in post-mortem imaging—decomposition gas within trabecular bone or artifacts caused by lowered arms. These limitations may hamper the use of BMD for the estimation of age-at-death and ante-mortem health assessment in forensic practice.</div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>We explored a fully 3D QCT approach targeting vertebral bodies in post-mortem CT to address these limitations. The entire vertebral body and the rods of a bone mineral phantom were segmented three-dimensionally. Voxel-wise CT values within the vertebral body were summarized as a histogram and analyzed using a Bayesian latent variable mixture model with components intended to represent decomposition gas, trabecular bone, cortical bone, and other tissues. From the inferred trabecular component, we calculated the mean CT value and used a calibration curve derived from the phantom rods to obtain volumetric BMD.</div></div><div>We explored a fully 3D QCT approach targeting vertebral bodies in post-mortem CT to address these limitations. The entire vertebral body and the rods of a bone mineral phantom were segmented three-dimensionally. Voxel-wise CT values within the vertebral body were summarized as a histogram and analyzed using a Bayesian latent variable mixture model with components intended to represent decomposition gas, trabecular bone, cortical bone, and other tissues. From the inferred trabecular component, we calculated the mean CT value and used a calibration curve derived from the phantom rods to obtain volumetric BMD.</div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>The proposed workflow was applied to two post-mortem cases, including decomposed remains. In both cases, it was technically feasible to segment the vertebral body and phantom, fit the Bayesian mixture model to the vertebral CT histogram, and identify components consistent with gas, trabecular bone, cortical bone, and other tissues. From the trabecular component, we derived volumetric BMD values. No formal accuracy or reliability evaluation was performed in this preliminary work.</div></div><div>The proposed workflow was applied to two post-mortem cases, including decomposed remains. In both cases, it was technically feasible to segment the vertebral body and phantom, fit the Bayesian mixture mode","PeriodicalId":40763,"journal":{"name":"Forensic Imaging","volume":"45 ","pages":"Article 200689"},"PeriodicalIF":1.0,"publicationDate":"2026-05-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147951771","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":"Comprehensive assessment of potential medical errors in postoperative intraperitoneal hemorrhage using PMCTA","authors":"Krzysztof Jerzy Wozniak, Artur Moskala, Piotr Kluza, Ewa Rzepecka–Wozniak","doi":"10.1016/j.fri.2026.200718","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.fri.2026.200718","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>An increasing number of universities centers are using computed tomography (PMCT) prior to conventional autopsy. However, computed tomography angiography (PMCTA) is still relatively rarely used in routine diagnostics. This method can play a particularly important role in assessing possible medical errors, especially in identifying and verifying potential sources of bleeding.</div></div><div>An increasing number of universities centers are using computed tomography (PMCT) prior to conventional autopsy. However, computed tomography angiography (PMCTA) is still relatively rarely used in routine diagnostics. This method can play a particularly important role in assessing possible medical errors, especially in identifying and verifying potential sources of bleeding.</div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>Two cases of death due to massive intraperitoneal hemorrhage are presented, with reference to the examinations performed, including PMCT and targeted PMCTA with the use of Somatom Go 16 CT scanner (Siemens Healthineers, Erlangen, Germany), administering 5% Angiofil (Fumedica AG, Muri, Switzerland) paraffin liquid solution, preceding conventional autopsy and histopathological examination. Both cases involved women who had recently undergone surgery: 1. cesarean section the day before death, 2. laparoscopic surgery of Median Arcuate Ligament Syndrome (MALS) two weeks earlier. Postmortem imaging results were evaluated using RadiAnt DICOM Viewer, Version 2025.2. May 13, 2025 (Medixant, URL: <span><span>https://www.radiantviewer.com</span><svg><path></path></svg></span>) software.</div></div><div>Two cases of death due to massive intraperitoneal hemorrhage are presented, with reference to the examinations performed, including PMCT and targeted PMCTA with the use of Somatom Go 16 CT scanner (Siemens Healthineers, Erlangen, Germany), administering 5% Angiofil (Fumedica AG, Muri, Switzerland) paraffin liquid solution, preceding conventional autopsy and histopathological examination. Both cases involved women who had recently undergone surgery: 1. cesarean section the day before death, 2. laparoscopic surgery of Median Arcuate Ligament Syndrome (MALS) two weeks earlier. Postmortem imaging results were evaluated using RadiAnt DICOM Viewer, Version 2025.2. May 13, 2025 (Medixant, URL: <span><span>https://www.radiantviewer.com</span><svg><path></path></svg></span>) software.</div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>After administration of contrast agent into the arteries from the typical location for whole-body angiography (femoral artery) as a targeted examination limited to the abdominal region, it was clearly demonstrated that: 1. there was no damage to the arteries in the pelvic region, but the bleeding was caused by a ruptured splenic artery aneurysm, 2. the source of the critical bleeding was a disruption of the left gastric artery just distal to its branching from the celiac trunk.</div></div><div>After administration of contrast agent into the ","PeriodicalId":40763,"journal":{"name":"Forensic Imaging","volume":"45 ","pages":"Article 200718"},"PeriodicalIF":1.0,"publicationDate":"2026-05-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147951773","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":"Augmenting the Medico-Legal External Examination with Post-Mortem Computed Tomography and Toxicology in Determining Cause and Manner of Death","authors":"Peter Roerdam, Sara Larsen, Christina Jacobsen","doi":"10.1016/j.fri.2026.200760","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.fri.2026.200760","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>Determining cause and manner of death and guiding police to a decision regarding medico-legal autopsy (MLA) is the main purpose of the Danish Medico-legal external examination (MLEE). Post-mortem computed tomography (PMCT) and toxicology are available at the forensic departments in Denmark but are not utilized in the setting of MLEE. Enhancing diagnostic accuracy by augmenting MLEE (aMLEE) with PMCT and toxicology has long been a subject of interest among Danish forensic pathologists. Still, the added value of these modalities compared to stand-alone MLEE remains underexplored.</div></div><div>Determining cause and manner of death and guiding police to a decision regarding medico-legal autopsy (MLA) is the main purpose of the Danish Medico-legal external examination (MLEE). Post-mortem computed tomography (PMCT) and toxicology are available at the forensic departments in Denmark but are not utilized in the setting of MLEE. Enhancing diagnostic accuracy by augmenting MLEE (aMLEE) with PMCT and toxicology has long been a subject of interest among Danish forensic pathologists. Still, the added value of these modalities compared to stand-alone MLEE remains underexplored.</div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>We retrospectively analyzed 100 seemingly non-traumatic, forensic autopsy cases from the Department of Forensic Medicine, University of Copenhagen. Cases were analyzed in a stepwise fashion to enable comparison between MLEE and aMLEE. For each case, preliminary conclusions based on MLEE alone were compared to those derived from aMLEE. Final autopsy findings served as the reference standard. Outcomes included accuracy for cause and manner of death and if MLA was deemed necessary. An inter-observer analysis between three forensic pathologists was performed.</div></div><div>We retrospectively analyzed 100 seemingly non-traumatic, forensic autopsy cases from the Department of Forensic Medicine, University of Copenhagen. Cases were analyzed in a stepwise fashion to enable comparison between MLEE and aMLEE. For each case, preliminary conclusions based on MLEE alone were compared to those derived from aMLEE. Final autopsy findings served as the reference standard. Outcomes included accuracy for cause and manner of death and if MLA was deemed necessary. An inter-observer analysis between three forensic pathologists was performed.</div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Preliminary results indicate that aMLEE has significant advantages over traditional MLEE in certain cases and in general improves accuracy when determining cause and manner of death. Unsurprisingly, improvements were observed in cases involving hemorrhage and intoxication. In several cases, however, an MLA is still recommended, either because of lack of findings at aMLEE or because the forensic issue requires it. Inter-observer agreement varies from fair to substantial (Fleiss Kappa 0,39 – 0,67). Final results, including proposed guideline criteria for implementing aMLEE, will","PeriodicalId":40763,"journal":{"name":"Forensic Imaging","volume":"45 ","pages":"Article 200760"},"PeriodicalIF":1.0,"publicationDate":"2026-05-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147951790","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":"An AI-driven personal identification approach utilizing CT and panoramic X-ray images, independent of traditional identification techniques using dent","authors":"Hideko Fujimoto ,&nbsp;Masaomi Tanigawa ,&nbsp;Hideo Sakurai ,&nbsp;Akiko Takeuchi","doi":"10.1016/j.fri.2026.200701","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.fri.2026.200701","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>Panoramic X-ray images have the potential to provide personal information, yet they have not been sufficiently utilized for personal identification. The objective of this study is to eliminate reliance on personal identification method based solely on conventional dental findings and to achieve personal identification using X-ray images.</div></div><div>Panoramic X-ray images have the potential to provide personal information, yet they have not been sufficiently utilized for personal identification. The objective of this study is to eliminate reliance on personal identification method based solely on conventional dental findings and to achieve personal identification using X-ray images.</div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>Panoramic X-ray images and postmortem CT panoramic reconstruction images were used for the same person groups and the other person groups. Artificial intelligence detected each tooth region and two reference points per segment. Cosine similarity (using from 0 to 255 grayscale pixel values) was calculated between corresponding teeth, while Procrustes analysis assessed alveolar morphology using the two reference points. The identification process was evaluated using a scoring system.</div></div><div>Panoramic X-ray images and postmortem CT panoramic reconstruction images were used for the same person groups and the other person groups. Artificial intelligence detected each tooth region and two reference points per segment. Cosine similarity (using from 0 to 255 grayscale pixel values) was calculated between corresponding teeth, while Procrustes analysis assessed alveolar morphology using the two reference points. The identification process was evaluated using a scoring system.</div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>The similarity among all the same person groups indicated that they were the same person.</div></div><div>The similarity among all the same person groups indicated that they were the same person.</div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><div>Combined evaluation of similarity based on tooth pixel values and alveolar bone morphology suggested the potential for personal identification.</div></div><div>Combined evaluation of similarity based on tooth pixel values and alveolar bone morphology suggested the potential for personal identification.</div><div><h3>Ethics</h3><div>All data utilized has been approved following an ethical review process.</div></div><div>All data utilized has been approved following an ethical review process.</div>","PeriodicalId":40763,"journal":{"name":"Forensic Imaging","volume":"45 ","pages":"Article 200701"},"PeriodicalIF":1.0,"publicationDate":"2026-05-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147951793","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 comparative study of two epiphyseal Fusion staging systems for age estimation using knee MRI in a Tunisian population","authors":"Ikram Kort,&nbsp;Meriem Belhadj,&nbsp;Dorra Oualha,&nbsp;Mohamed Amine Zaara,&nbsp;Khaled Bchir,&nbsp;Nidhal Hajsalem","doi":"10.1016/j.fri.2026.200702","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.fri.2026.200702","url":null,"abstract":"&lt;div&gt;&lt;h3&gt;Background&lt;/h3&gt;&lt;div&gt;Growth development is critical in many proceedings and is traditionally evaluated with plain radiographs of the hand and wrist. Meanwhile, MRI visualizes bone and cartilaginous tissue without radiation exposure.&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div&gt;We aimed to compare the reliability of knee MRI age estimation of two staging systems in a large Tunisian population, covering critical age limits such as 16 and 18 years.&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div&gt;Growth development is critical in many proceedings and is traditionally evaluated with plain radiographs of the hand and wrist. Meanwhile, MRI visualizes bone and cartilaginous tissue without radiation exposure.&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div&gt;We aimed to compare the reliability of knee MRI age estimation of two staging systems in a large Tunisian population, covering critical age limits such as 16 and 18 years.&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div&gt;&lt;h3&gt;Methods&lt;/h3&gt;&lt;div&gt;A prospective, cross-sectional study of MRI of the knee with both T1-TSE and fast-spin echo sequences was performed in healthy subjects, between May 2015 and March 2020. The growth plate of the femur and the tibia were graded using two staging systems, by two physicians. Femur and tibia were graded separately with both sequences.&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div&gt;A prospective, cross-sectional study of MRI of the knee with both T1-TSE and fast-spin echo sequences was performed in healthy subjects, between May 2015 and March 2020. The growth plate of the femur and the tibia were graded using two staging systems, by two physicians. Femur and tibia were graded separately with both sequences.&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div&gt;&lt;h3&gt;Results&lt;/h3&gt;&lt;div&gt;The chronological age was correlated with the maturation stages of the knee epiphyses (Spearman coefficient 0.59 to 0.71). Dedouit classification offered a slightly better correlation with chronological age, than the Sk classification for the studied population. However, the SK classification allowed to determine the 14, 16, and 18 age thresholds.&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div&gt;For the SK system, inter-observer agreement was excellent for the distal femur (κ = 0.81) and substantial for the proximal tibia (κ = 0.72). For Dedouit system, inter-observer agreement was excellent for the distal femur (κ = 0.82) and substantial for the proximal tibia (κ = 0.77). Regarding intra-observer agreement, the SK system showed excellent reliability for the distal femur (κ = 0.88) and substantial agreement for the proximal tibia (κ = 0.77). The Dedouit staging showed excellent intra-observer agreement for both the distal femur (κ = 0.90) and the proximal tibia (κ = 0.89).&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div&gt;The chronological age was correlated with the maturation stages of the knee epiphyses (Spearman coefficient 0.59 to 0.71). Dedouit classification offered a slightly better correlation with chronological age, than the Sk classification for the studied population. However, the SK classification allowed to determine the 14, 16, and 18 age thresholds.&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div&gt;For the SK system, inter-observer agreement was excellent for the distal femur (κ = 0.81) and substa","PeriodicalId":40763,"journal":{"name":"Forensic Imaging","volume":"45 ","pages":"Article 200702"},"PeriodicalIF":1.0,"publicationDate":"2026-05-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147951798","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":"Evaluating alternative light photography (415–505 nm) for enhanced detection of gunshot residue in firearm-related deaths at Tygerberg Forensic Mortua","authors":"Hermanus Johannes Dicks ,&nbsp;Janette Verster ,&nbsp;Liza Clegg ,&nbsp;Lienke Perold ,&nbsp;Grace Amy Simon ,&nbsp;Juan Klopper","doi":"10.1016/j.fri.2026.200741","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.fri.2026.200741","url":null,"abstract":"&lt;div&gt;&lt;h3&gt;Background&lt;/h3&gt;&lt;div&gt;Gunshot residue (GSR) plays a critical role in firearm-related death investigations, assisting in differentiating entrance and exit wounds, estimating firing distance, and supporting scene reconstruction. However, GSR may be difficult to visualise on dark, patterned, or bloodstained clothing and on pigmented skin, common scenarios in the South African forensic practice. Alternative light sources (ALS) within the 415–505 nm wavelength range may enhance GSR detection, yet this technique has not been formally evaluated during autopsy in South Africa, despite the country’s exceptionally high firearm-related mortality burden.&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div&gt;Gunshot residue (GSR) plays a critical role in firearm-related death investigations, assisting in differentiating entrance and exit wounds, estimating firing distance, and supporting scene reconstruction. However, GSR may be difficult to visualise on dark, patterned, or bloodstained clothing and on pigmented skin, common scenarios in the South African forensic practice. Alternative light sources (ALS) within the 415–505 nm wavelength range may enhance GSR detection, yet this technique has not been formally evaluated during autopsy in South Africa, despite the country’s exceptionally high firearm-related mortality burden.&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div&gt;&lt;h3&gt;Methods&lt;/h3&gt;&lt;div&gt;This prospective observational study evaluates the use of alternative light photography during routine forensic examinations of firearm-related deaths at Tygerberg Forensic Pathology Service Mortuary in Cape Town, South Africa. Clothing and skin are photographed using standard visible-light photography, followed by re-examination under the Polilight® Flare Plus 2 (415–505 nm) in a controlled dark environment. Images are captured using standardised positioning, lighting, and scaling to allow direct comparison. For each region of interest, investigators record the presence or absence of visible GSR and measure the dimensions of detectable residue under each lighting modality. A pilot phase informs variance estimation and the subsequent statistical approach. Paired analyses compare detection rates and measurable GSR area between standard and ALS imaging.&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div&gt;This prospective observational study evaluates the use of alternative light photography during routine forensic examinations of firearm-related deaths at Tygerberg Forensic Pathology Service Mortuary in Cape Town, South Africa. Clothing and skin are photographed using standard visible-light photography, followed by re-examination under the Polilight® Flare Plus 2 (415–505 nm) in a controlled dark environment. Images are captured using standardised positioning, lighting, and scaling to allow direct comparison. For each region of interest, investigators record the presence or absence of visible GSR and measure the dimensions of detectable residue under each lighting modality. A pilot phase informs variance estimation and the subsequent statistical approach. Paired analyses comp","PeriodicalId":40763,"journal":{"name":"Forensic Imaging","volume":"45 ","pages":"Article 200741"},"PeriodicalIF":1.0,"publicationDate":"2026-05-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147951803","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":"PMCT-based verification of the validity of performing the classic cardiac air embolism test as the initial procedure in forensic autopsy","authors":"Artur Moskala,&nbsp;Krzysztof Wozniak","doi":"10.1016/j.fri.2026.200708","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.fri.2026.200708","url":null,"abstract":"&lt;div&gt;&lt;h3&gt;Introduction&lt;/h3&gt;&lt;div&gt;Cardiac air embolism is a challenging pathology to verify in the field of forensic medicine. The conventional evaluation method for cardiac air embolism entails incising the pericardial sac, filling it with water, and puncturing the right and left ventricles to ascertain the presence of gas bubbles, indicative of a positive test result. It is recommended that this test be performed as the initial step in an autopsy, prior to the opening of the cranial cavity, due to a risk of artefacts. Nevertheless, the veracity of this assumption remains unproven.&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div&gt;The employment of post-mortem computed tomography (PMCT) has facilitated the evaluation of gas spaces in corpses, rendering the process relatively straightforward and unambiguous. Consequently, it has become feasible to objectively verify whether opening the cranial cavity effectively hinders the performance of a reliable, classic test for cardiac air embolism.&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div&gt;The material and method: The study was conducted using a Siemens Somatom Go 16 CT scanner. Cases of non-traumatic death were examined using PMCT both before (head and trunk protocols) and after opening the cranial cavity (trunk protocol). Cases in which the initial PMCT examination revealed the presence of gas in the circulatory system were excluded from the study. The evaluation of the acquisition results was conducted in lung window using the RadiAnt software. The extent to which air entered the vascular system after opening the cranial cavity in the neck and thorax blood vessels was assessed.&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div&gt;Cardiac air embolism is a challenging pathology to verify in the field of forensic medicine. The conventional evaluation method for cardiac air embolism entails incising the pericardial sac, filling it with water, and puncturing the right and left ventricles to ascertain the presence of gas bubbles, indicative of a positive test result. It is recommended that this test be performed as the initial step in an autopsy, prior to the opening of the cranial cavity, due to a risk of artefacts. Nevertheless, the veracity of this assumption remains unproven.&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div&gt;The employment of post-mortem computed tomography (PMCT) has facilitated the evaluation of gas spaces in corpses, rendering the process relatively straightforward and unambiguous. Consequently, it has become feasible to objectively verify whether opening the cranial cavity effectively hinders the performance of a reliable, classic test for cardiac air embolism.&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div&gt;The material and method: The study was conducted using a Siemens Somatom Go 16 CT scanner. Cases of non-traumatic death were examined using PMCT both before (head and trunk protocols) and after opening the cranial cavity (trunk protocol). Cases in which the initial PMCT examination revealed the presence of gas in the circulatory system were excluded from the study. The evaluation of the acquisition results was conducted in lung window using the RadiAnt software. The","PeriodicalId":40763,"journal":{"name":"Forensic Imaging","volume":"45 ","pages":"Article 200708"},"PeriodicalIF":1.0,"publicationDate":"2026-05-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147951973","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":"The use of ultrasonography for diagnosing pregnancy in a drowning victim: a case report","authors":"Klarisa ,&nbsp;Ni Komang Darmi ,&nbsp;Yudy ,&nbsp;Djaja Surya Atmadja","doi":"10.1016/j.fri.2026.200734","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.fri.2026.200734","url":null,"abstract":"&lt;div&gt;&lt;h3&gt;Background&lt;/h3&gt;&lt;div&gt;Radiological examination of a corpse serves as both an initial screening and diagnostic tool, particularly when external examination yields inconclusive results. In cases involving early gestational age, confirmation is challenging because an abdominal mass may not be palpable or distinguishable from other masses. This report assesses the utility of ultrasonography in detecting suspected pregnancy in drowning cases. Law enforcement requested confirmation of pregnancy to determine whether an external examination sufficed or if an autopsy was warranted due to suspicions of suicide, as the victim reportedly exhibited signs of frustration prior to drowning.&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div&gt;Radiological examination of a corpse serves as both an initial screening and diagnostic tool, particularly when external examination yields inconclusive results. In cases involving early gestational age, confirmation is challenging because an abdominal mass may not be palpable or distinguishable from other masses. This report assesses the utility of ultrasonography in detecting suspected pregnancy in drowning cases. Law enforcement requested confirmation of pregnancy to determine whether an external examination sufficed or if an autopsy was warranted due to suspicions of suicide, as the victim reportedly exhibited signs of frustration prior to drowning.&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div&gt;&lt;h3&gt;Method&lt;/h3&gt;&lt;div&gt;A radiologist, in collaboration with a forensic pathologist, conducted the examination using a GE Logic P7 ultrasound device.&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div&gt;A radiologist, in collaboration with a forensic pathologist, conducted the examination using a GE Logic P7 ultrasound device.&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div&gt;&lt;h3&gt;Results&lt;/h3&gt;&lt;div&gt;Ultrasonographic examination of the upper and lower abdomen revealed increased intestinal air and visible gastric intraluminal fluid. The uterus was obscured by intestinal air and could not be assessed. These findings indicate that putrefactive gases may hinder visualization of uterine contours, potentially resulting in false-negative pregnancy confirmations. Minimal free intraperitoneal fluid echo was observed in the hepatorenal fossa, consistent with minimal ascites. No tears were identified in the liver, spleen, or kidneys. External examination estimated the postmortem interval at 2 to 12 hours, based on observed decomposition. No signs of submersion, external wounds, or palpable abdominal masses were detected.&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div&gt;Ultrasonographic examination of the upper and lower abdomen revealed increased intestinal air and visible gastric intraluminal fluid. The uterus was obscured by intestinal air and could not be assessed. These findings indicate that putrefactive gases may hinder visualization of uterine contours, potentially resulting in false-negative pregnancy confirmations. Minimal free intraperitoneal fluid echo was observed in the hepatorenal fossa, consistent with minimal ascites. No tears were identified in the liver, spleen, or kidneys. External examination estimate","PeriodicalId":40763,"journal":{"name":"Forensic Imaging","volume":"45 ","pages":"Article 200734"},"PeriodicalIF":1.0,"publicationDate":"2026-05-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147952038","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":"Utility and limitations of postmortem computed tomography in diagnosis of animal abuse","authors":"Yuko Kihara ,&nbsp;Aki Tanaka ,&nbsp;Yohsuke Makino","doi":"10.1016/j.fri.2026.200746","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.fri.2026.200746","url":null,"abstract":"&lt;div&gt;&lt;h3&gt;Background&lt;/h3&gt;&lt;div&gt;Animal abuse is known to be linked to interpersonal and domestic violence. Veterinarians are expected to detect and diagnose animal abuse at an early stage to prevent such violences. Previous studies on fatal cases of animal abuse have not incorporated postmortem CT (PMCT), and it is likely that some abuse findings were overlooked. In this study, we retrospectively reviewed PMCT findings of animal abuse that cannot be confirmed by necropsy alone.&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div&gt;Animal abuse is known to be linked to interpersonal and domestic violence. Veterinarians are expected to detect and diagnose animal abuse at an early stage to prevent such violences. Previous studies on fatal cases of animal abuse have not incorporated postmortem CT (PMCT), and it is likely that some abuse findings were overlooked. In this study, we retrospectively reviewed PMCT findings of animal abuse that cannot be confirmed by necropsy alone.&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div&gt;&lt;h3&gt;Methods&lt;/h3&gt;&lt;div&gt;We collected cases where the cause of death was identified using forensic methods including necropsy, and where the manner of death was determined to be abuse due to external causes based on a comprehensive evaluation including the circumstances of carcasses. Among these cases, we retrospectively investigated the characteristics of abused animals and injuries in those that underwent PMCT.&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div&gt;We collected cases where the cause of death was identified using forensic methods including necropsy, and where the manner of death was determined to be abuse due to external causes based on a comprehensive evaluation including the circumstances of carcasses. Among these cases, we retrospectively investigated the characteristics of abused animals and injuries in those that underwent PMCT.&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div&gt;&lt;h3&gt;Results&lt;/h3&gt;&lt;div&gt;Between 2019 and 2025, forensic necropsies were performed on 1,383 animal carcasses, and 99 were diagnosed as having died from abuse, including information other than necropsy. Of these, 94 underwent PMCT, and cats were the most common animal species. The most common type of fatal injured was blunt force trauma, with the chest and head being the most frequently injured regions. Skull fractures were identified by both necropsy and PMCT, while pneumocephalus and pneumothorax were detected only by PMCT. Abusers were most commonly third person, followed by owners and the owners' close relatives. In pet animals, old fractures were founded, suggesting that fatal outcomes may occur several months after injuries involving fractures.&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div&gt;Between 2019 and 2025, forensic necropsies were performed on 1,383 animal carcasses, and 99 were diagnosed as having died from abuse, including information other than necropsy. Of these, 94 underwent PMCT, and cats were the most common animal species. The most common type of fatal injured was blunt force trauma, with the chest and head being the most frequently injured regions. Skull fractures were identified by both necropsy and PMCT, ","PeriodicalId":40763,"journal":{"name":"Forensic Imaging","volume":"45 ","pages":"Article 200746"},"PeriodicalIF":1.0,"publicationDate":"2026-05-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147951088","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}