Abstract
Objectives
 The work serves as a preliminary evaluation of the utility of the full-body radiography in examining cases of SUDI.
 
 Setting
 This paper reviews findings from full-body digital radiography in cases of sudden unexpected death in infants (SUDI) in 2008 at the Salt River Forensic Pathology Laboratory in Cape Town. 
 
 Subjects
 Cases of SUDI referred to the mortuary and undergoing full-body digital radiography were reviewed (192 cases). 
 
 Design
 Imaging reports were cross-referenced with death registry data. Manner of death, cause of death, whether an autopsy had taken place, and radiological findings, were recorded and analysed. 
 
 Results
 The absence of bony fractures was recorded as an imaging finding in 40% of cases. The most common type of imaging pathology was lung disease. In cases where autopsies were performed and pathology was found on imaging, the findings of the two methods of examination were consistent.
 
 Conclusions
 Imaging may have served to assist CoD determination based on case history, and therefore full-body radiography may improve the workflow in busy forensic pathology laboratories.
 More detailed and consistent recording of imaging findings is required before stronger conclusions may be drawn regarding the utility of full body digital imaging of paediatric cases in forensic pathology laboratories.
Highlights
Radiographs have been used in forensic examinations since the discovery of X-rays,[1] and have contributed to forensic autopsy by providing a permanent, but incomplete, record of the anatomy and pathology of the deceased prior to autopsy, documenting fractures and the localisation of foreign material such as bullet fragments.[2]
The absence of bone fractures was recorded as an imaging finding in 40% of cases
Imaging might have served to assist cause-ofdeath determination based on case history, and full-body radiography could improve the workflow in busy forensic pathology laboratories
Summary
Radiographs have been used in forensic examinations since the discovery of X-rays,[1] and have contributed to forensic autopsy by providing a permanent, but incomplete, record of the anatomy and pathology of the deceased prior to autopsy, documenting fractures and the localisation of foreign material such as bullet fragments.[2] The significance of radiographic soft-tissue findings in forensic pathology has been the subject of only a few studies.[3]. A retrospective audit of 512 cases comparing the investigation of SUDI at two large medico-legal mortuaries in South Africa found that no radiological investigations were done as part of the post mortem examination.[6] The absence of additional investigations such as radiology was attributed to probable financial and resource constraints
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
