Post-Mortem Imaging Techniques in Forensic Pathology
Summary
Post-mortem imaging has emerged as a critical complement to, and in some contexts a substitute for, conventional invasive autopsy. By harnessing modalities such as computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging and advanced three-dimensional surface scanning, forensic pathologists can visualise internal and external anatomy non-invasively. Techniques like post-mortem CT angiography enable detailed assessment of the vascular system and detection of haemorrhage, while ultra-high-field MRI delivers high-resolution soft-tissue contrast essential for identifying organ pathology. Surface-based methods, including photogrammetry and structured-light 3D scanning, document external findings and trauma patterns with millimetre accuracy. More recently, microfocus CT (micro-CT) has allowed microscopic examination of small tissue specimens without disruption of histological architecture. Collectively, these approaches enhance casework by improving diagnostic accuracy, reducing procedural delays and accommodating cultural or religious objections to traditional autopsy. Their integration into routine forensic practice underpins legal investigations worldwide, informs public health surveillance and supports interdisciplinary collaboration across radiology, pathology and legal medicine.
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Post-Mortem Imaging Techniques in Forensic Pathology publication trend
The graph below shows the total number of articles in post-mortem imaging techniques in forensic pathology across all publications each year (not limited to Nature Index journals).
Technical terms
Post-mortem computed tomography (PMCT): A non-invasive radiological technique that uses X-rays to generate cross-sectional images of the cadaver, ideal for assessing bony injuries and foreign bodies.
Post-mortem magnetic resonance imaging (PMMR): An imaging modality employing magnetic fields and radiofrequency pulses to visualise soft tissues and organ parenchyma with high contrast resolution.
Post-mortem CT angiography (PMCTA): A specialised PMCT protocol in which contrast medium is perfused into the vasculature to delineate blood vessels and locate sources of haemorrhage.
Virtopsy: A portmanteau of “virtual” and “autopsy”, referring to the application of whole-body imaging methods (CT, MRI) to conduct a non-invasive post-mortem examination.
Microfocus computed tomography (micro-CT): A high-resolution CT technique that provides three-dimensional digital datasets at resolutions approaching that of light microscopy, suited to small specimens.
References
- Whole‐body non‐forensic fetal virtopsy using postmortem magnetic resonance imaging at 7 Tesla vs classical autopsy. Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology (2024).
- Diagnostic accuracy of post-mortem CT with targeted coronary angiography versus autopsy for coroner-requested post-mortem investigations: a prospective, masked, comparison study. The Lancet (2017).
- Early clinical applications for imaging at microscopic detail: microfocus computed tomography (micro-CT). British Journal of Radiology (2017).
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