Estelle-Marie Kieffer, Presenter: Nothing to Disclose

Jeanne Charton MD, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Guillaume Bierry MD, PhD, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Audrey Farrugia, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Francis P. Veillon MD, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Catherine Roy MD, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

To compare post-mortem CT and autopsy findings in a large series of subjects in order to determine the normal post-mortem appearance of several organs and structures.

Eighty adult subjects (20 females, 60 males), with mean age 52 years, in whom autopsy was required, were included. All CT examinations were performed before autopsy without contrast administration, from head to toe, on a 128 slices unit. Mean time between death and CT was 2.7 days. CT data (multiplanar reformats in soft tissue, bone and lung windows settings) were reviewed in consensus by 2 radiologists. A total of 18 qualitative items were quoted as present or not. A senior forensic pathologist (aware of CT results) performed the autopsy (less than 12 hours after CT) and reported any macroscopic lesions. The “normal” post-mortem CT appearance (absence of underlying tissue injuries at autopsy) was afterwards determined for each item.

Significant postmortem CT findings observed without macroscopic underlying lesions at autopsy included: Bilateral hyperdensity of middle cerebral artery (38% of subjects); Tracheal and proximal bronchial filling (50%), diffuse bilateral pulmonary ground glass (71%) or alveolar fulfilling (58%), sphenoïdal sinus filling (92%); Frequent pleural effusion (50%) but rarity of pericardial (9%) or peritoneal (20%) effusion.

Several CT changes, considered as abnormal and potentially lethal in living subjects, are within the range of normal post-mortem. Knowledge of those changes may help radiologists avoid misinterpretation and false conclusions about causes of death.

Knowledge of the changes induced by death on CT findings may help radiologists avoid misinterpretation and false conclusions about causes of death.

Kieffer, E, Charton, J, Bierry, G, Farrugia, A, Veillon, F, Roy, C, Dead Bodies Have their Own Semiology: Normal Post-mortem CT Appearance in 80 Subjects.  Radiological Society of North America 2014 Scientific Assembly and Annual Meeting, - ,Chicago IL. http://archive.rsna.org/2014/14013458.html