Image segmentation of post-mortem computed tomography data in forensic imaging: Methods and applications

Abstract

• The basic concepts of medical image segmentation are explained. • The applications for segmentation in forensics medicine and anthropology are discussed. • Background on required image qualities, available software and workflow considerations for medical image segmentation are given. Many forensic institutes worldwide use postmortem computed tomography (PMCT) as a standard imaging modality. A variety of techniques, such as visualization, polygonization, volumetry, autopsy planning and 3D printing, require knowledge about case-specific anatomy and pathologies. The means by which voxels are assigned additional information regarding the anatomical structure or tissue is called image segmentation (sometimes labeling). In this article, we introduce the most relevant segmentation techniques used on forensic medical data. We provide information about different software packages that allow for the segmentation of PMCT data and discuss data requirements. Finally, we introduce a variety of different applications in forensic imaging, in which segmentation techniques have proven to be useful, including applications in forensic anthropology.