Using histology to evaluate micro-CT findings of trauma in three post-mortem samples - First steps towards method validation.
Forensic Sci Int
; 297: 27-34, 2019 Apr.
Article
in En
| MEDLINE
| ID: mdl-30769301
ABSTRACT
Forensic imaging technology has rapidly advanced over the past several decades and is gaining increasing significance in medico-legal death investigations. Medical-grade computed tomography (CT) is now routinely used in post-mortem examinations at numerous institutions across the globe. However, the resolution of medical-grade CT is limited and unsuitable when used to depict some smaller anatomical structures or micro-trauma. High-resolution micro-CT offers up to 100× the resolution to overcome this problem but is a very recent addition to the field of forensic radiology. Few studies so far have attempted to validate the results which is an essential prerequisite for it to be used in the criminal justice process as demanded by regulatory bodies. This study directly compares micro-CT images with histology, the current gold standard. Three cases were examined two larynges from suspected strangulations and one ribcage of a case of fatal child abuse. A strong correlation was observed between histology and micro-CT as the majority of skeletal injuries were identified correctly. This paper discusses the forensic implications of the results and how micro-CT is complementary to histology.
Key words
Full text:
1
Collection:
01-internacional
Database:
MEDLINE
Main subject:
Rib Fractures
/
Thyroid Cartilage
/
X-Ray Microtomography
/
Hyoid Bone
Type of study:
Diagnostic_studies
/
Prognostic_studies
Limits:
Adult
/
Female
/
Humans
/
Infant
Language:
En
Journal:
Forensic Sci Int
Year:
2019
Document type:
Article