Tattoo image composed of radiopaque deposits demonstrated by postmortem computed tomography.

Postmortem computed tomography (PMCT) is becoming used more commonly in routine forensic investigation. CT is sensitive for detection of metal foreign bodies. Here we report a case of suicide due to self-ignition of kerosene that the victim had poured over herself. Prior to autopsy, PMCT detected tiny radiopaque particles arranged in a row in the surface of the back and either thigh, together with a series of similar particles under the skin lateral to the breasts or the bilateral inguinal region. At autopsy, external examination revealed third-degree burns involving charred tissues all over the body except for the head. Tattoos were visible on the back and on either thigh. The tattoos had colored designs, and the red portions corresponded to the radiopaque particles in the surface of the body. Internal examination demonstrated swelling of the axillary and inguinal lymph nodes, which corresponded to the radiopaque particles. A wave length-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy revealed deposition of mercury and titanium in the inguinal lymph nodes. Thus, it was plausible that the ink could have contributed to the radiopaque particles found by PMCT in the surface of the back and thighs, as well in the lymph nodes. The present case was able to provide clues for interpretation of radiopaque particles revealed by PMCT in the surface of the body.

Use of postmortem computed tomography to retrieve small metal fragments derived from a weapon in the bodies of victims in two homicide cases.

Postmortem computed tomography (PMCT) is becoming a commonly used modality in routine forensic investigation. Mechanical injuries including lacerations, incisions, stab wounds and gunshot wounds frequently contain foreign bodies that may have significant value as clues in criminal investigations. CT is a sensitive modality for detection of metal foreign bodies that may be associated with injuries to the victim in cases of homicide or traffic accidents. Here we report two cases in which PMCT was able to act as a guide to forensic pathologists for retrieval of metal fragments in the corpses of the victims, the retrieved fragments then being used to validate the confessions of the assailants through comparison with the knife and the crowbar, respectively, that had been used in the crimes. In these cases, the small metal fragments retrieved from the corpses of the victims with the aid of PMCT were decisive pieces of evidence confirming the circumstances of the crimes. These cases illustrate how PMCT can be used to complement the findings of classical autopsy for integrative investigation of corpses with injury.