The Radiological Autopsy

Post-mortem imaging is widely used in the forensic examination of traumatic deaths. In recent years, it has also been increasingly used for the investigation of nontraumatic deaths of unknown cause, and thus avoids or limits traditional invasive autopsy. CT is generally more sensitive than MRI for the detection of those pathologies that commonly cause sudden adult death. It is also more accurate in the documentation of fractures and traumatic haemorrhage, and in many cases is superior to dissection for the investigation of trauma. CT forms the basis of most post-mortem imaging services, and this chapter therefore focuses on this imaging modality. There is a growing evidence base for the use of CT and angiographic techniques in death investigation. The critical decisions to be made in a radiological autopsy service are (1) selection of cases that are appropriate for investigation using radiology, (2) selection of imaging techniques, and (3) whether other investigations, including invasive examination, are required following imaging.