Abstract
On top of conventional necropsy, virtopsy (postmortem computed tomography and postmortem magnetic resonance imaging) has been integrated into the Cetacean Stranding Response Programme in Hong Kong since March 2014. To date, 177 out of 240 local stranded cetaceans have been examined by virtopsy. This integration has modernised the characterisation and documentation of cetacean biological health profiles and causes of death. During this 6-year period, critical pitfalls regarding logistics, carcass recovery, handling, and preservation have been identified. A strategic management scheme is crucial for the successful incorporation of virtopsy into this pioneer programme. This study explains the workflow of the Cetacean Virtopsy Stranding Response Programme in Hong Kong waters. Difficulties encountered are highlighted and practical solutions to address management issues are proposed to consolidate the stranding response network.
Highlights
Postmortem (PM) investigation generally involves an invasive “body-opening” autopsy in humans
During a period of 6 years, from 2014 to 2020, 262 cetacean stranding cases were reported in Hong Kong (HK) waters
Out of the 240 stranded cetaceans recovered, 4 animals (2%) were alive and not retrieved for examination
Summary
Postmortem (PM) investigation generally involves an invasive “body-opening” autopsy in humans (or necropsy, same procedure in animals). Whole-body PMCT and PMMRI are non-invasive techniques that create volumetric image datasets, while two- and three-dimensional (3D) volumetric reconstruction and rendering are performed with advanced visualisation technology (e.g., multiplanar reconstruction and direct volume rendering). These results allow objective visualisation and recapitulation of PM findings prior to conventional necropsy (Kot et al, 2020a,b). PMCT allows excellent identification of osseous lesions, foreign bodies, pathological gas formation, and organ trauma with higher precision over conventional autopsy (Dirnhofer et al, 2006; Aghayev et al, 2007; Thali et al, 2007).
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