Rectal thermometry signs in postmortem CT

Abstract

Postmortem rectal temperature assessment is a gold standard examination for estimating time of death (TOD) in the early postmortem period. Postmortem computed tomography (PMCT) is frequently performed before autopsy. Two cases are presented where signs of rectal thermometry were found in PMCT. Rectal temperature measurement is a very important examination to perform at the scene of a death, and PMCT may ensure that the quality of this procedure is retained.