NCJ Number
198081
Journal
Journal of Forensic Sciences Volume: 47 Issue: 6 Dated: November 2002 Pages: 1326-1331
Editor(s)
Michael A. Peat Ph.D.
Date Published
November 2002
Length
6 pages
Annotation
This study evaluated the potential use of the cross-section techniques, multi-slice Computed Tomography (MSCT) and of Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) in the examination of a charred body and compared the full-body postmortem MSCT and MRI data with forensic autopsy findings.
Abstract
In the field of forensic pathology, the correct and accurate examination of a burned or charred body is a challenge due to the external surface of the body being severely destroyed and visual identification often impossible. The forensic pathologist must determine whether the injuries sustained occurred postmortem or while the victim was still alive and define the manner of death. To evaluate what can be seen in the case of a charred body, this study examined modern cross-sectional imaging techniques, the multi-slice Computed Tomography (MSCT) and Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) providing a full body documentation with spatial resolution in three dimensions. Two examinations (radiological and autopsy) were performed and correlated with classical forensic autopsy to evaluate the potential of MSCT and of MRI in the case of charred body from a vehicle accident. In the case of a charred body of a single motor vehicle/fixed object collision with a post crash fire, the radiological methods of MSCT and MRI made it possible to document the injuries caused by burn. Postmortem imaging is viewed as a good forensic visualization tool with significant potential for the forensic documentation and examination of charred bodies. Figures and references