![]() ![]() This imaging modality is nowadays accessible, reproducible, reliable and easy to implement. ![]() Thus, via the modernisation and improvement of cross-sectional imaging techniques, post-mortem computed tomography (PMCT) has superseded conventional radiography and can provide an entire-body volumetric exploration to help the forensic team in their investigations. Indeed, the advanced state of carbonisation often complicates the surgical dissection and some foreign bodies (bullets, prostheses, etc.) or bone alterations (osteosynthesis, traumatic fractures, etc.) could be missed. Subsequently, the forensic pathologist will carry out specific toxicological screening tests for blood levels of substances such as carbon monoxide and cyanide, to determine whether or not the victim was alive when the fire was initiated.įinally, considerable reliance can be laid upon the various imaging techniques to help the forensic pathologist in the victim’s identification process, and to guide him in the autopsy, fluid analysis and DNA sampling. ![]() The autopsy showed a linear wound of the pulmonary artery and the aorta, in relation to a stab injury (not shown here) and hence suggesting an arson to cover up an underlying homicide The position of the body suggests no attempt to escape the fire, in keeping with the hypothesis that death occurred before the fire broke out. b Burned corpse of a 36-year-old man, found by firefighters in a suspicious sitting position ( black dashed arrow) on the remains of a sofa ( white arrowheads). Note the severe skin burn injuries with thermal amputation of the limbs ( white arrows). This position suggests that the victim tried to escape from the fire by crawling on the floor. The body was found by firefighters in the procubitus position (as shown) on the bathroom floor. a The charred body of a 32-year-old man who died by carbon monoxide poisoning in his burned home. Thus, the radiologist must discern all the contextual divergences with the forensic history, and must be able to report all the relevant elements to answer to the forensic pathologist the following questions: Are there tomographic features that could help to identify the victim? Is there evidence of remains of biological fluids in liquid form available for toxicological analysis and DNA sampling? Is there another obvious cause of death than heat-related lesions, especially metallic foreign bodies of ballistic origin? Finally, what are the characteristic burn-related injuries seen on the corpse that should be sought during the autopsy?įorensic photographic images taken prior to the removal of charred bodies in home fire debris. The aim of this pictorial essay is to provide to the radiologist the keys to establish complete and focused reports in cases of PMCT of burn victims. In the case of burn victims, it provides specific semiologies requiring a prudent understanding to differentiate between the normal post-mortem changes from heat-related changes. Currently, post-mortem computed tomography (PMCT) has become an accessible and contemporary tool for forensic investigations. ![]()
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