Importance of Multi-Slice Computed Tomography for Autopsy: Single Center Experience

Abstract

Abstract Virtopsy applications are widely-used minimally invasive autopsy techniques which are assistive techniques to increase the efficacy of the autopsy. The aim of this study was to show whether or not Multi-Slice Computed Tomography (MSCT) could be an alternative autopsy method or used in place of autopsy in some cases. In this study, evaluation was made of 20 forensic cases with MSCT applied pre-autopsy followed by conventional autopsy at Sivas Cumhuriyet University Hospital between 08.11.2006 and 30.09.2007. The cases were 17 male and three female in an age range of four months to 69 years. The cause of death was stated for all except one case, which was in an advanced stage of decomposition. The findings of the MSCT taken before the autopsy were compared with the conventional autopsy findings and the place of virtopsy in forensic cases was discussed. When it is considered that autopsy is necessary in some cases, it can be said that for some, MCST is superior to autopsy, so in some cases it could be an alternative or a supplementary method. Examination made with radiological imaging, as an independent, objective non-invasive observer means that data related to the corpse can be retrieved from digital storage and provides the opportunity for re-examination years after the organ remains have decomposed or been discarded. Key Words: Multi-slice computed tomography, virtopsy, autopsy, cause of death, forensic medicine