Alina Sassenberg MMed, Presenter: Nothing to Disclose

David Simons MD, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Ignaz Reicht, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Heinz-Peter Schlemmer MD, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Kathrin Yen MD, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Radiological data has proven to support forensic autopsy and often is required before or during the procedure. For e.g., detecting gas or foreign bodies, computed tomography (CT) has shown to be superior to the autopsy. Image viewing usually requires a workstation which is rarely located in the autopsy suite. Thus CT images are seldom accessible during autopsy. The aim of this study was to evaluate if the display of radiological data on a tablet computer (PC) could support and guide forensic autopsy.

We installed software for interpreting radiological data (MITK-pocket, a slighter version of the CE-certified MITK) on a tablet PC (iPad A 1430, Apple Inc.). In 20 randomly selected cases, postmortem CT scans (Somatom AR.SP, Siemens AG) of the head, thorax and abdomen were performed at least 1 hour before autopsy. CT data was uploaded to the tablet PC and analyzed prior to autopsy by a radiologist in consensus with a forensic pathologist. The tablet PC was prepared for observing hygienic standards. For the current study we focused on bone fractures, air, foreign bodies, liquids, the position of organs, and if collapse of the aorta was present in the thorax region. Radiological results were used to guide the autopsy process. A standardized questionnaire about handling and benefit was filled in by both the radiologist and the forensic pathologist.

Radiological data was easily accessible during the whole course of autopsy., Autopsy techniques could be preselected and used target-oriented. The detection and localization of the addressed injuries was clearly supported by the additional imaging data. A fluent workflow was established which directly guides the course of autopsy in the determined cases.

The tablet PC provides useful assistance, increased convenience and additional information during forensic autopsy. However, before entering daily practice we recommend to further evaluate the use of tablet PCs at autopsy site in a multiple centre study. Tablet PC assisted forensic autopsy supports forensic case assessment and has a general potential to be broadly used as being cheap and easily available.

The availability of radiological images during autopsy can support target-oriented forensic autopsy and injury assessment. The use of tablet devices for delivering radiological images therefore seems

Sassenberg, A, Simons, D, Reicht, I, Schlemmer, H, Yen, K, Tablet Computer Assisted Target-oriented Forensic Autopsy.  Radiological Society of North America 2013 Scientific Assembly and Annual Meeting, December 1 - December 6, 2013 ,Chicago IL. http://archive.rsna.org/2013/13044280.html