A Case of Personal Identification Via Postmortem Computed Tomography Confirmation of Aphakic Eyes.

ABSTRACT

Postmortem computed tomography (PMCT) is used commonly in forensic medicine. Postmortem computed tomography of the head provides information on the eyes and orbits and may reveal intraocular abnormalities. We present a case in which the identity of a deceased man was confirmed by the presence of aphakic eyes detected on PMCT. A decomposed body was found in a house and suspected to be a man in his 40s who lived alone. Autopsy identified pontine hemorrhage as the cause of death. Although signs of previous dental treatment were evident, the storage period of the householder's dental records had expired. He had no family members to provide DNA for a comparative DNA analysis. Postmortem computed tomography before autopsy revealed aphakia (ie, the absence of eye lenses) suggestive of previous ocular surgery. His medical records revealed that he had undergone ocular surgery for secondary glaucoma due to uveitis, which had resulted in artificial aphakia. Peripheral iridectomy scars fully matched the findings in his medical records, thus identifying the body. The unusual finding of artificial aphakia in a man in his 40s facilitated the personal identification in this case. In conclusion, PMCT provides additional information, and the correct interpretation of intraocular PMCT findings by forensic pathologists is crucial.