RSNA News Release
Forensic Radiology Makes Virtual Autopsy a Reality
Released: December 3, 2003
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At A Glance
Combining computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance (MR) imaging, Swiss researchers are conducting bloodless, non-invasive virtual autopsies.Virtual autopsy does not destroy evidence and can be used in situations where religious beliefs or families reject the traditional autopsy.3-D virtual autopsy images eliminate the need for juries to view graphic photographs.
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CHICAGO — Swiss investigators are partnering the latest in radiologic
imaging technology with forensic science to provide a bloodless, minimally invasive
method to examine victims for causes of accidental deaths and murders.
In Switzerland, virtual autopsy is already a reality. The University of Berne's
Institute of Forensic Medicine, in collaboration with its Institute of Diagnostic
Radiology, has performed 100 virtual autopsies, or Virtopsy®, in the last
three years. Michael Thali, M.D., a board-certified forensic pathologist and
project manager for Virtopsy at the University, presented the crime and accident
scene investigation technology today at the 89th Scientific Assembly and Annual
Meeting of the Radiological Society of North America (RSNA).
"The virtual autopsy does not destroy key forensic evidence — which
may be damaged during a classic autopsy," said Dr. Thali, who also has
specialized training in radiology. "It can also be used in cultures and
situations where autopsy is not tolerated by religion, such as in the traditional
Jewish faith, or is rejected by family members. Some people do not like the
idea of autopsy."
Virtual autopsy combines computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance (MR)
imaging. The CT images provide information about the general pathology of the
body and can generate detailed information about trauma injuries. MR imaging
is used to focus on specific areas of the body, providing details about soft
tissue, muscles and organs. To determine the time of death, Virtopsy uses MR
spectroscopy — a technique that measures metabolites in the brain emerging
during post-mortem decomposition.
In cases where a weapon is used, 3-D surface scanning — first used by
the auto industry to develop and analyze auto parts — documents the surface
of the body. Using a computer-aided design program, investigators can then compare
the virtual model of an injury with the 3-D image of a simulation created by
using a similar-type weapon.
"It's then possible to merge all of this information from the body's inside
and outside into one data set on the computer," Dr. Thali said. "We
now have 3-D, non-subjective information that can easily be presented in court
— without showing graphic, horrible images that may shock people."
If necessary, data can be sent via compact disc or e-mail to another forensic
pathologist for a second opinion, and stored for years on a computer. But virtual
autopsy is expensive and right now there are graphic limitations in providing
full-color information, according to Dr. Thali. Also, virtual autopsy cannot
yet be used for a post-mortem angiography, which may reveal important information
about the person's cardiovascular system at the time of death.
"It may be another 10 to 15 years before this method is accepted, but
we've already started to present some of our data in the Swiss court system,"
Dr. Thali said. "I believe that forensic radiology will be a new science
in the future."
Dr. Thali's collaborators and coauthors of this education exhibit are Richard
Dirnhofer, M.D., and Peter Vock, M.D.
RSNA is an association of more than 35,000 radiologists, radiation oncologists
and related scientists committed to promoting excellence in radiology through
education and by fostering research, with the ultimate goal of improving patient
care. The Society is based in Oak Brook, Ill.
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High-res Image |
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3D reconstruction of the bony structures
showing all forensic criteria of an exit wound and additionally the fracture
system of the skull.
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Traditional bony preparation /
maceration in this case.
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High-res Image |
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Visualization of a gunshot wound
through the cerebellum by showing the bony details using CT. Clearly visible
is the typically funnel shaped exit wound.
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Comparative visualization of the
soft tissue damage along the bullet track within the cerebellum using
MRI.
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High-res Image
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Detailed visualization of the MR-image
makes a precise verification of the bullet track within the cerebellum
possible.
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Searching the bullet track at autopsy
in the traditional way using a probe is even more difficult.
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High-res Image
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Massive filling of the hearts cavities
with air causes the death in many traumatic cases. In that cases at autopsy
small bubbles escape from the right chamber when it is punctured.
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The MR-Image shows the air within
the heart imposingly.
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High-res Image
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A case of a bicycle/motor vehicle
accident with one impact point at the right backside. The MR-image shows
the clearly demarcated soaking with blood of the damaged tissue.
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The same case at autopsy: The hematoma
is not that well distinguished.
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High-res Image
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Cross section of the burned trunk
showing the air embolism within the right heart chamber and a contusion
(injury) of the left lung. Also visible is the stage of charring ( the
tissue of the forefront and of both sides is burned away ) and backside
is less burned.
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Charred body: victim of a vehicle
accident and investigation of the corpse that shows a high state of charring.
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High-res Image
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| Death by hanging: 3D reconstruction of the CT data
shows the fracture of the horn of the hyoid bone. The same finding is even
more difficult to find at autopsy because of the surrounding tissue.
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View related abstract:
Image-assisted, Minimally Invasive Virtual Autopsy
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