Technical and methodological support for postmortem radiation examinations in the pathological departments and the forensic bureau

Abstract

The purpose of the work is to analyze the technical and methodological features of postmortem radiation studies based on literature data and the results of our own experience. To designate such studies, the term thanatoradiology has been proposed. The basis for the effective conduct of a thanatodiological examination is adequate technical support, which equally consists of the capabilities of the equipment for obtaining radiographs, CT and MR tomograms (type and generation of the device, technical features of a particular model), as well as the capabilities of the radiologist's workstation with the help of which the computer processing of the obtained images is carried out, three-dimensional reconstructions are performed, the calculation of planar and volumetric parameters and additional information is obtained. The use of an X-ray unit allows one to assess only pronounced pathology and the presence of foreign objects. The effectiveness of a computed tomography device depends on the choice of the slice thickness and the step of the examination table. Research on a magnetic resonance imager is effective at certain magnetic induction strength, the form of a magnetic coil and the used mode of recording a pulse sequence. The objectivity and efficiency of digital processing of tomograms consists of the type of a radiologist's workstation and installed programs for post-processing tomograms, including for modeling three-dimensional images and color mapping. The choice of a specific method of postmortem radiation research should be determined mainly by the research objectives. Research should be carried out taking into account age, body weight, individual characteristics and the state of body tissues. Today, it is advisable to use radiation methods as part of a comprehensive pathological and anatomical or forensic medical research to improve the quality and shorten the autopsy duration. The development of a unified protocol for postmortem CT and MRI studies that meets the pathological, anatomical and forensic requirements remains an urgent task.