Forensic Imaging最新文献

{"title":"Evaluation of the Utility of Ultra-High-Resolution Photon Counting Detector CT Images in the Assessment of Skull Base Fractures","authors":"Maiko Yoshida , Fumito Watanabe , Masatoshi Kojima , Fumiko Chiba , Go Inokuchi , Fuyuhiko Teramoto , Hirotaro Iwase , Yohsuke Makino","doi":"10.1016/j.fri.2026.200756","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.fri.2026.200756","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>Skull base fractures are possibly fatal, however, conventional computed tomography (CT) often fails to detect subtle findings or provide a comprehensive overview, which sometimes results in misdiagnoses. Factors contributing to these difficulties include the terraced anatomical structure and the thin skull base. Compared to conventional energy-integrating detector CT, photon-counting detector CT (PCD-CT) offers advantages including improved spatial resolution and reduced artifacts. This study aimed to compare the quality of ultra-high-resolution (UHR) images of skull base fractures obtained from PCD-CT with those from conventional CT, using actual specimens.</div></div><div>Skull base fractures are possibly fatal, however, conventional computed tomography (CT) often fails to detect subtle findings or provide a comprehensive overview, which sometimes results in misdiagnoses. Factors contributing to these difficulties include the terraced anatomical structure and the thin skull base. Compared to conventional energy-integrating detector CT, photon-counting detector CT (PCD-CT) offers advantages including improved spatial resolution and reduced artifacts. This study aimed to compare the quality of ultra-high-resolution (UHR) images of skull base fractures obtained from PCD-CT with those from conventional CT, using actual specimens.</div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>PCD-CT scans were performed for two autopsy cases presenting fatal skull base fractures. Standard resolution (SE) images and UHR images were obtained using a field of view of 250 mm. Quantitative measurement of the half-width and signal intensity of representative fracture lines was performed using images created with 1024 matrix. 3D images were created. Two board-certified radiologists visually assessed the images as follows: 1) Separate analysis of each image by each radiologist (separate readings) using the following scale (1: clear, 2: obscure (≤50%), 3: obscure (>50%), 4: no delineation). 2) Simultaneous analysis of both images (simultaneous reading) using the following scales (1: no difference, 2: perceived difference but no impact on lesion identification, 3: lesion identification might have been difficult if the other image was not combined).</div></div><div>PCD-CT scans were performed for two autopsy cases presenting fatal skull base fractures. Standard resolution (SE) images and UHR images were obtained using a field of view of 250 mm. Quantitative measurement of the half-width and signal intensity of representative fracture lines was performed using images created with 1024 matrix. 3D images were created. Two board-certified radiologists visually assessed the images as follows: 1) Separate analysis of each image by each radiologist (separate readings) using the following scale (1: clear, 2: obscure (≤50%), 3: obscure (>50%), 4: no delineation). 2) Simultaneous analysis of both images (simultaneous reading) using the following scales (1: no differe","PeriodicalId":40763,"journal":{"name":"Forensic Imaging","volume":"45 ","pages":"Article 200756"},"PeriodicalIF":1.0,"publicationDate":"2026-05-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147951597","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":"Evaluation of Personal Identification Using Arterial Grooves of the Skull on Postmortem CT","authors":"Hiroki Miyajima , Tomoya Kobayashi , Ryusei Inamori , Hidekazu Kanayama , Takaya Kawasumi , Eichi Takaya , Akihito Usui , Yoshikazu Okamoto","doi":"10.1016/j.fri.2026.200699","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.fri.2026.200699","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>Although no studies have focused on the arterial grooves on the inner surface of the skull for personal identification, these grooves show considerable individual variation and can be observed on 3D volume-rendered (VR) head CT images. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the usefulness of cranial arterial grooves for personal identification using postmortem CT (PMCT) images.</div></div><div>Although no studies have focused on the arterial grooves on the inner surface of the skull for personal identification, these grooves show considerable individual variation and can be observed on 3D volume-rendered (VR) head CT images. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the usefulness of cranial arterial grooves for personal identification using postmortem CT (PMCT) images.</div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>CT images of 30 individuals (15 males and 15 females, age at death, 43-99 years) obtained between July 2009 and November 2012 were used. Both visual and quantitative evaluations were performed.</div><div>For the visual evaluation, 30 paired sets of PMCT and antemortem CT (AMCT) images were used. VR images were reconstructed on a workstation. Four examiners compared the morphology of the arterial grooves and selected corresponding pairs, and the average accuracy rate was calculated.</div><div>For the quantitative evaluation, 20 cases in which both left and right frontal and parietal branches could be measured on both PMCT and AMCT images were analyzed. Eight parameters were measured in total: the length and angle from the origin of each groove on the skull to the first branching point on both sides. A scoring system was applied to assess the results.</div></div><div>CT images of 30 individuals (15 males and 15 females, age at death, 43-99 years) obtained between July 2009 and November 2012 were used. Both visual and quantitative evaluations were performed.</div><div>For the visual evaluation, 30 paired sets of PMCT and antemortem CT (AMCT) images were used. VR images were reconstructed on a workstation. Four examiners compared the morphology of the arterial grooves and selected corresponding pairs, and the average accuracy rate was calculated.</div><div>For the quantitative evaluation, 20 cases in which both left and right frontal and parietal branches could be measured on both PMCT and AMCT images were analyzed. Eight parameters were measured in total: the length and angle from the origin of each groove on the skull to the first branching point on both sides. A scoring system was applied to assess the results.</div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>The accuracy rate in the visual evaluation exceeded 95%. In the quantitative evaluation, 65% of the cases showed the smallest difference in measurements between the same individuals in PMCT and AMCT images.</div></div><div>The accuracy rate in the visual evaluation exceeded 95%. In the quantitative evaluation, 65% of the cases showed the smallest difference in measurements between the s","PeriodicalId":40763,"journal":{"name":"Forensic Imaging","volume":"45 ","pages":"Article 200699"},"PeriodicalIF":1.0,"publicationDate":"2026-05-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147951620","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":"Identification of indivisuals based on the shape of the ethmoid sinus:Automatic matching of antemortem and postmortem CT images using a 3D-workstation","authors":"Masahiro Yoshida , Tomoya Kobayashi , Kazunori Kaga , Hajime Saitou , Kazuya Tashiro , Nanaka Igari , Yoshiyuki Ito , Hirotaka Takebayashi , Yoichiro Takahashi , Suzuka Shimmura , Ken Sato , Hideyuki Hayakawa","doi":"10.1016/j.fri.2026.200698","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.fri.2026.200698","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>Some corpses requested by the police to examine remain unidentified, so that the postmortem examination report is not completed even after the causes of death is determined.</div><div>Furthermore, the body cannot be returned to the bereaved family, which also makes body storage issues. Additionally, DNA identification is time consuming and costly.</div><div>We have been investigating the usefulness of 3D-workstations for ethmoid sinus shape matching as a personal identification method since 2019.The operational framework was established in collaboration with the Ibaraki prefectural polices' medical examiner, and the examinations started from February 2025.</div><div>We show the usefulness of this method with actual images.</div></div><div>Some corpses requested by the police to examine remain unidentified, so that the postmortem examination report is not completed even after the causes of death is determined.</div><div>Furthermore, the body cannot be returned to the bereaved family, which also makes body storage issues. Additionally, DNA identification is time consuming and costly.</div><div>We have been investigating the usefulness of 3D-workstations for ethmoid sinus shape matching as a personal identification method since 2019.The operational framework was established in collaboration with the Ibaraki prefectural polices' medical examiner, and the examinations started from February 2025.</div><div>We show the usefulness of this method with actual images.</div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>We examined 5 corpses which the police requested personal identification in the Tsukuba Medical Examiner’s Office from February to October, 2025.</div><div>Using the Ziostation2 (Amin inc.), we performed automatic matching with non-rigid registration for postmortem CT (PMCT) images of the head (1mm-thickness data) acquired using a16-row CT scanner dedicated for corpses (Aquilion Lightning, Canon Co.) and antemortem CT (AMCT) images (5mm-thickness data) obtained by the police. The matched images were also visually examined by a forensic pathologist.</div><div>Furthermore, we compared the plot-profiles of the ethmoid sinus from PMCT images and those of matching images. We also used 5 different AMCT images obtained from different individuals to compare accuracy in identification with the plot-profiles.</div></div><div>We examined 5 corpses which the police requested personal identification in the Tsukuba Medical Examiner’s Office from February to October, 2025.</div><div>Using the Ziostation2 (Amin inc.), we performed automatic matching with non-rigid registration for postmortem CT (PMCT) images of the head (1mm-thickness data) acquired using a16-row CT scanner dedicated for corpses (Aquilion Lightning, Canon Co.) and antemortem CT (AMCT) images (5mm-thickness data) obtained by the police. The matched images were also visually examined by a forensic pathologist.</div><div>Furthermore, we compared the plot-profiles of the ethmoid sinus fr","PeriodicalId":40763,"journal":{"name":"Forensic Imaging","volume":"45 ","pages":"Article 200698"},"PeriodicalIF":1.0,"publicationDate":"2026-05-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147951188","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":"Sagittal suture closure as an age-at-death indicator: Implications of Metopic Suture Persistence","authors":"Silviya Nikolova , Diana Toneva , Gennady Agre","doi":"10.1016/j.fri.2026.200696","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.fri.2026.200696","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>The degree of closure of the major calvarial sutures is widely used for age-at-death (AAD) estimation, although its accuracy remains questionable. Previous research indicates that persistence of the metopic suture is associated with a general delay in calvarial suture closure, which could further impair the accuracy of AAD estimation in the metopic skulls. This study aims to compare the sagittal suture (SS) maturation between metopic and control cranial series and to develop linear regression models for ADD prediction in metopic and non-metopic skulls.</div></div><div>The degree of closure of the major calvarial sutures is widely used for age-at-death (AAD) estimation, although its accuracy remains questionable. Previous research indicates that persistence of the metopic suture is associated with a general delay in calvarial suture closure, which could further impair the accuracy of AAD estimation in the metopic skulls. This study aims to compare the sagittal suture (SS) maturation between metopic and control cranial series and to develop linear regression models for ADD prediction in metopic and non-metopic skulls.</div><div><h3>Material and Methods</h3><div>The SS was investigated in a sample of dry contemporary adult male crania of known AAD, ranging from 19 to 59 years (mean age: 36 years). The sample (n = 122) included metopic crania (n = 34) and control ones (n = 88), which were scanned using an industrial μCT system. The degree of SS closure was evaluated on cross-sectional tomograms using a scale of grades. SS maturation in the series was compared, and linear regression models for AAD prediction were developed.</div></div><div>The SS was investigated in a sample of dry contemporary adult male crania of known AAD, ranging from 19 to 59 years (mean age: 36 years). The sample (n = 122) included metopic crania (n = 34) and control ones (n = 88), which were scanned using an industrial μCT system. The degree of SS closure was evaluated on cross-sectional tomograms using a scale of grades. SS maturation in the series was compared, and linear regression models for AAD prediction were developed.</div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>The degree of SS closure between the two series varied significantly across all SS sections and bone layers, with substantially lower closure observed in the metopic crania. The developed linear regression models demonstrated that the prediction error for AAD in metopic crania was approximately twice that observed in the control ones.</div></div><div>The degree of SS closure between the two series varied significantly across all SS sections and bone layers, with substantially lower closure observed in the metopic crania. The developed linear regression models demonstrated that the prediction error for AAD in metopic crania was approximately twice that observed in the control ones.</div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>SS closure in metopic crania was significantly delayed compared to controls, indicat","PeriodicalId":40763,"journal":{"name":"Forensic Imaging","volume":"45 ","pages":"Article 200696"},"PeriodicalIF":1.0,"publicationDate":"2026-05-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147951618","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":"Usefulness of Offset Scanning for Reducing Star-Trail Artefacts in Postmortem Head CT Imaging","authors":"Mitsuha Fukami, Tomoaki Yamamoto","doi":"10.1016/j.fri.2026.200730","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.fri.2026.200730","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>Postmortem computed tomography (PMCT) is a valuable modality for determining the cause of death and assessing postmortem changes. Because it allows rapid, noninvasive whole-body evaluation, PMCT has been widely applied in both forensic and clinical settings. However, in deceased bodies, gases produced by putrefaction or other postmortem changes can generate characteristic artefacts on CT imaging. Kobayashi et al. defined these gas-related imaging abnormalities as star-trail artefacts. This study aimed to evaluate the usefulness of offset scanning in reducing star-trail artefacts on postmortem head CT.</div></div><div>Postmortem computed tomography (PMCT) is a valuable modality for determining the cause of death and assessing postmortem changes. Because it allows rapid, noninvasive whole-body evaluation, PMCT has been widely applied in both forensic and clinical settings. However, in deceased bodies, gases produced by putrefaction or other postmortem changes can generate characteristic artefacts on CT imaging. Kobayashi et al. defined these gas-related imaging abnormalities as star-trail artefacts. This study aimed to evaluate the usefulness of offset scanning in reducing star-trail artefacts on postmortem head CT.</div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>An IB-10 phantom containing eight 10-mm air-filled rods was prepared to simulate intracranial gas cavities. The brain parenchyma region was filled with degassed water, and the skull compartment with potassium phosphate (K₂HPO₄, 1.49 g/mL) to mimic bone density. The phantom, placed on a headrest, was positioned at the isocentre of the CT gantry and scanned at the central position, and at 10 mm and 20 mm lateral offsets to the left. Scanning was performed using an Aquilion Prime SP (Canon Medical Systems) at 120 kV, 550 mA, helical pitch 51, and scan speed 1.5. Images were evaluated visually and by calculating the coefficient of variation (CV) in eight regions of interest (ROIs) near each rod to quantify artefact intensity.</div></div><div>An IB-10 phantom containing eight 10-mm air-filled rods was prepared to simulate intracranial gas cavities. The brain parenchyma region was filled with degassed water, and the skull compartment with potassium phosphate (K₂HPO₄, 1.49 g/mL) to mimic bone density. The phantom, placed on a headrest, was positioned at the isocentre of the CT gantry and scanned at the central position, and at 10 mm and 20 mm lateral offsets to the left. Scanning was performed using an Aquilion Prime SP (Canon Medical Systems) at 120 kV, 550 mA, helical pitch 51, and scan speed 1.5. Images were evaluated visually and by calculating the coefficient of variation (CV) in eight regions of interest (ROIs) near each rod to quantify artefact intensity.</div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Ring-shaped artefacts were observed in the centrally positioned phantoms. When the phantom was shifted 10 mm to the left, the ring artefacts decreased, however, they did not disappear completely,","PeriodicalId":40763,"journal":{"name":"Forensic Imaging","volume":"45 ","pages":"Article 200730"},"PeriodicalIF":1.0,"publicationDate":"2026-05-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147951625","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":"Standardization of Cerebral Postmortem CT Angiography Technique: Initial Challenges and Solutions","authors":"Dr Abhishek Yadav, Dr Taher Hussain, Dr Manju Kumari","doi":"10.1016/j.fri.2026.200719","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.fri.2026.200719","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>Cerebral postmortem CT angiography (PMCTA) provides a minimally invasive way to visualize intracranial vessels. It can help detect aneurysms, hemorrhages, vascular blockages, and structural issues that could cause sudden death. However, developing a consistent and dependable technique had several preliminary challenges, particularly in the first Virtual Autopsy centre in India.</div></div><div>Cerebral postmortem CT angiography (PMCTA) provides a minimally invasive way to visualize intracranial vessels. It can help detect aneurysms, hemorrhages, vascular blockages, and structural issues that could cause sudden death. However, developing a consistent and dependable technique had several preliminary challenges, particularly in the first Virtual Autopsy centre in India.</div><div><h3>Methods and Challenges</h3><div>In early attempts, the choice of contrast medium Barium sulfate suspension was a significant limitation, which was subsequently resolved using other contrast medium mixtures. Next challenge was in accessing the vessels. Making an incision along the medial edge of the sternocleidomastoid muscle gave good access to the common carotid arteries. However, the vertebral arteries were harder to reach. Their delicate structure and deeper position made them more prone to rupture and backflow of contrast, which particularly affected the opacification of the posterior circulation. Then in catheterization instances of unilateral cannulation resulted in uneven filling and incomplete images of the Circle of Willis. The injection technique also played a crucial role. Manual injection resulted in inconsistent pressure, creating artifacts that sometimes looked like real problems, such as false-positive subarachnoid hemorrhage. An automated injector pump at a steady flow rate and a controlled pressure, ensured stable perfusion and repeatability.</div></div><div>In early attempts, the choice of contrast medium Barium sulfate suspension was a significant limitation, which was subsequently resolved using other contrast medium mixtures. Next challenge was in accessing the vessels. Making an incision along the medial edge of the sternocleidomastoid muscle gave good access to the common carotid arteries. However, the vertebral arteries were harder to reach. Their delicate structure and deeper position made them more prone to rupture and backflow of contrast, which particularly affected the opacification of the posterior circulation. Then in catheterization instances of unilateral cannulation resulted in uneven filling and incomplete images of the Circle of Willis. The injection technique also played a crucial role. Manual injection resulted in inconsistent pressure, creating artifacts that sometimes looked like real problems, such as false-positive subarachnoid hemorrhage. An automated injector pump at a steady flow rate and a controlled pressure, ensured stable perfusion and repeatability.</div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>The early","PeriodicalId":40763,"journal":{"name":"Forensic Imaging","volume":"45 ","pages":"Article 200719"},"PeriodicalIF":1.0,"publicationDate":"2026-05-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147951770","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":"CT-Based Evaluation of Pelvic and Proximal Femoral Ossification Centers for Forensic Age Estimation","authors":"Zuhal Ozluoglu Igde , Mehmet Cavlak , Adelet Elcin Yıldız , Emre Nuri Igde , Ramazan Akcan","doi":"10.1016/j.fri.2026.200687","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.fri.2026.200687","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>Forensic age estimation is an essential component of medico-legal evaluations frequently requested by judicial or administrative authorities, particularly in cases involving criminal responsibility, sexual abuse, and age-related legal capacity. Given the legal importance of critical age thresholds, accurate determination of skeletal maturity requires population-specific data and validation of imaging-based methods as complementary tools to conventional radiography. This study aimed to assess the forensic applicability of pelvic and proximal femoral ossification patterns using computed tomography (CT) in living individuals.</div></div><div>Forensic age estimation is an essential component of medico-legal evaluations frequently requested by judicial or administrative authorities, particularly in cases involving criminal responsibility, sexual abuse, and age-related legal capacity. Given the legal importance of critical age thresholds, accurate determination of skeletal maturity requires population-specific data and validation of imaging-based methods as complementary tools to conventional radiography. This study aimed to assess the forensic applicability of pelvic and proximal femoral ossification patterns using computed tomography (CT) in living individuals.</div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>Abdominopelvic CT scans from 260 individuals aged 5–30 years, obtained between 2020 and 2023, were retrospectively analyzed. Three epiphyseal ossification centers in the proximal femur and five secondary ossification centers in the pelvis were evaluated and categorized into three or four fusion stages. Correlations between ossification stage and chronological age were assessed using Spearman’s test. Polynomial regression (stepwise method) was applied to develop predictive models for age estimation. Model validity was examined by R², p-value, and standard error of estimation. Inter- and intra-observer agreements were tested using Cohen’s kappa (κ).</div></div><div>Abdominopelvic CT scans from 260 individuals aged 5–30 years, obtained between 2020 and 2023, were retrospectively analyzed. Three epiphyseal ossification centers in the proximal femur and five secondary ossification centers in the pelvis were evaluated and categorized into three or four fusion stages. Correlations between ossification stage and chronological age were assessed using Spearman’s test. Polynomial regression (stepwise method) was applied to develop predictive models for age estimation. Model validity was examined by R², p-value, and standard error of estimation. Inter- and intra-observer agreements were tested using Cohen’s kappa (κ).</div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Complete iliac crest fusion (stage 3) was consistently observed in individuals aged ≥17 years. Among males, triradiate stage 3 and ischial tuberosity stage 2 ossification were absent below 12 and 15 years, respectively. In the proximal femur, complete fusion of the femoral head appeared over 11 years i","PeriodicalId":40763,"journal":{"name":"Forensic Imaging","volume":"45 ","pages":"Article 200687"},"PeriodicalIF":1.0,"publicationDate":"2026-05-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147951772","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":"Retrospective study comparing findings between forensic imaging and forensic autopsy of the neck and their influence on early decision-making","authors":"Gisela de Heus , Cédrique A.S. Gregoire , Geneviève A.J.C. Crombag , Alida A. Postma , Rick R. van Rijn , Bartholomeus G.H. Latten , J. Martijn Nobel","doi":"10.1016/j.fri.2026.200715","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.fri.2026.200715","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Objective</h3><div>The neck, including the laryngeal skeleton, forms an important yet complex component in forensic post-mortem investigations. The demonstration or exclusion of force applied to the neck can be significant in criminal investigations and is assessed in the forensic setting in the Netherlands by both the radiologist and the pathologist. They provide preliminary reports with their findings that will be used during and may direct the early stages of the police investigations. However, the degree of ossification and multiple anatomical variants complicate the analysis of the larynx. In radiological examination of the neck, MRI is increasingly being used as a complement to CT for assessing the subcutaneous soft tissues. Through this study, the preliminary radiological findings are correlated with the preliminary autopsy results to identify similarities and discrepancies. These insights are important for interpreting the value of these findings from both radiology and pathology in the early stages of the criminal investigations.</div></div><div>The neck, including the laryngeal skeleton, forms an important yet complex component in forensic post-mortem investigations. The demonstration or exclusion of force applied to the neck can be significant in criminal investigations and is assessed in the forensic setting in the Netherlands by both the radiologist and the pathologist. They provide preliminary reports with their findings that will be used during and may direct the early stages of the police investigations. However, the degree of ossification and multiple anatomical variants complicate the analysis of the larynx. In radiological examination of the neck, MRI is increasingly being used as a complement to CT for assessing the subcutaneous soft tissues. Through this study, the preliminary radiological findings are correlated with the preliminary autopsy results to identify similarities and discrepancies. These insights are important for interpreting the value of these findings from both radiology and pathology in the early stages of the criminal investigations.</div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>A retrospective study is currently conducted, encompassing forensic cases between 2022 and 2024 from the Netherlands. Inclusion criteria include all cases that underwent postmortem CT and/or MRI at the Maastricht University Medical Centre+ and an autopsy at the Netherlands Forensic Institute. Furthermore, only cases involving individuals over the age of 18 will be included.</div></div><div>A retrospective study is currently conducted, encompassing forensic cases between 2022 and 2024 from the Netherlands. Inclusion criteria include all cases that underwent postmortem CT and/or MRI at the Maastricht University Medical Centre+ and an autopsy at the Netherlands Forensic Institute. Furthermore, only cases involving individuals over the age of 18 will be included.</div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Around 370 cases will be included for analysis. The ","PeriodicalId":40763,"journal":{"name":"Forensic Imaging","volume":"45 ","pages":"Article 200715"},"PeriodicalIF":1.0,"publicationDate":"2026-05-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147951782","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":"Temperature-aware postmortem brain MRI simulator","authors":"Masatoshi Kojima , Yohsuke Makino , Hirotaro Iwase","doi":"10.1016/j.fri.2026.200729","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.fri.2026.200729","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>Postmortem brain MRI contrast depends on tissue temperature, which varies widely across imaging settings and postmortem interval. Consequently, image appearance diverges from in-vivo references, and a normal postmortem reference distinct from the living brain is needed. However, a comprehensive, temperature-aware educational reference is lacking. This study aimed to build a temperature-aware postmortem brain MRI simulator that enables interactive exploration of sequence parameters and provides a normal postmortem reference for education and protocol design.</div></div><div>Postmortem brain MRI contrast depends on tissue temperature, which varies widely across imaging settings and postmortem interval. Consequently, image appearance diverges from in-vivo references, and a normal postmortem reference distinct from the living brain is needed. However, a comprehensive, temperature-aware educational reference is lacking. This study aimed to build a temperature-aware postmortem brain MRI simulator that enables interactive exploration of sequence parameters and provides a normal postmortem reference for education and protocol design.</div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>Data from 36 postmortem brains were used to fit tissue-specific linear relations between temperature and T1, T2, T2*, and proton density in white matter (WM), gray matter (GM), basal ganglia (BG), and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). Voxelwise signals were computed from analytical (Bloch based) equation for spin echo (SE), inversion recovery SE, and gradient echo. A 3D brain was formed from brain maps registered in the Montreal Neurological Institute's 152 brain template (MNI152) after slight modification. The simulator displays synchronized triplanar (axial, coronal, sagittal) views and an intersection centered MPR slice/ presets (T1WI, T2WI, FLAIR, T2*WI) configure TR/TE/TI and flip angle. Temperatures spanning 0–50 °C were modeled. Python was used to model temperature-dependent relaxation and simulate voxelwise signals (NumPy/SciPy) and to implement the interactive MPR visualization (PyQt/Matplotlib).</div></div><div>Data from 36 postmortem brains were used to fit tissue-specific linear relations between temperature and T1, T2, T2*, and proton density in white matter (WM), gray matter (GM), basal ganglia (BG), and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). Voxelwise signals were computed from analytical (Bloch based) equation for spin echo (SE), inversion recovery SE, and gradient echo. A 3D brain was formed from brain maps registered in the Montreal Neurological Institute's 152 brain template (MNI152) after slight modification. The simulator displays synchronized triplanar (axial, coronal, sagittal) views and an intersection centered MPR slice/ presets (T1WI, T2WI, FLAIR, T2*WI) configure TR/TE/TI and flip angle. Temperatures spanning 0–50 °C were modeled. Python was used to model temperature-dependent relaxation and simulate voxelwise signals (NumPy/SciPy) and to implement the inter","PeriodicalId":40763,"journal":{"name":"Forensic Imaging","volume":"45 ","pages":"Article 200729"},"PeriodicalIF":1.0,"publicationDate":"2026-05-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147951815","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":"Stabbing the void – CT and MRI analysis of stabbing wounds with the aid of 3D-printed knives","authors":"Viktor Soma Poór , Szilvia Nagy , Sándor Szukits , Gábor Simon","doi":"10.1016/j.fri.2026.200782","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.fri.2026.200782","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>Forensic radiology can provide substantial help for evaluating homicide cases. For example, a CT scan can easily reveal the number and position of projectiles in the cadaver of a shooting victim prior to the autopsy, offering indispensable aid for the forensic pathologist. However, in the case of knife stabbings, the wound channels might not clearly be depicted on CT or MRI scans.</div><div>Earlier, we demonstrated the feasibility of using 3D-printed knives in the evaluation of injuries during autopsy. In this study, we aimed to test its potential in a radiological setting.</div></div><div>Forensic radiology can provide substantial help for evaluating homicide cases. For example, a CT scan can easily reveal the number and position of projectiles in the cadaver of a shooting victim prior to the autopsy, offering indispensable aid for the forensic pathologist. However, in the case of knife stabbings, the wound channels might not clearly be depicted on CT or MRI scans.</div><div>Earlier, we demonstrated the feasibility of using 3D-printed knives in the evaluation of injuries during autopsy. In this study, we aimed to test its potential in a radiological setting.</div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>A kitchen knife was scanned, modelled and printed with a 3D printer. To evaluate the effect of different printing materials, apart from the most common plastic filament (PLA, polylactic acid), special infused (steel, cementum, gypsum) filaments were also used for printing. Pork loins were stabbed with a kitchen knife at multiple locations, then the replica blades were inserted. CT and MRI scans were obtained.</div></div><div>A kitchen knife was scanned, modelled and printed with a 3D printer. To evaluate the effect of different printing materials, apart from the most common plastic filament (PLA, polylactic acid), special infused (steel, cementum, gypsum) filaments were also used for printing. Pork loins were stabbed with a kitchen knife at multiple locations, then the replica blades were inserted. CT and MRI scans were obtained.</div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Most of the native wound channels were undetectable in the muscle tissue on the CT and MRI scans. The inserted 3D-printed blades were rendered clearly in the CT scans and appeared as void spaces on the MRI. The imaging of infused plastic blades did not differ from that of regular PLA. The only exception was the steel-infused print, which produced the artefacts of metal objects in the CT scans.</div></div><div>Most of the native wound channels were undetectable in the muscle tissue on the CT and MRI scans. The inserted 3D-printed blades were rendered clearly in the CT scans and appeared as void spaces on the MRI. The imaging of infused plastic blades did not differ from that of regular PLA. The only exception was the steel-infused print, which produced the artefacts of metal objects in the CT scans.</div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><div>The use of 3D-printed blades benefited the a","PeriodicalId":40763,"journal":{"name":"Forensic Imaging","volume":"45 ","pages":"Article 200782"},"PeriodicalIF":1.0,"publicationDate":"2026-05-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147952041","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}