Non-specific post-mortem modifications on whole-body post-mortem computed tomography in sudden unexpected death in infancy. Issue 1 (March 2015)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Proisy, Maïa; Loget, Philippe; Bouvet, Renaud; Roussey, Michel; Pelé, Fabienne; Rozel, Céline; Treguier, Catherine; Darnault, Pierre; Bruneau, Bertrand
• Is Part Of: Journal of forensic radiology and imaging. Volume 3:Issue 1(2015)
• Page Start: 16
• Page End: 23
• Publication Date: 2015-03
• Subjects: Forensic radiography -- Periodicals; Magnetic resonance imaging -- Periodicals; Diagnostic imaging -- Periodicals; Diagnostic imaging; Forensic radiography; Magnetic resonance imaging; Periodicals; 614.1
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jofri.2015.02.001
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2212-4780

Abstract

<abstract abstract-type="author" id="ab0005"> <title id="sect0005">Abstract</title> <sec> <title id="sect0010">Objectives</title> <p id="sp0050">To provide an overview of non-specific modifications on whole-body post-mortem computed tomography (PMCT) images of infants and children.</p> </sec> <sec> <title id="sect0015">Materials and methods</title> <p id="sp0055">69 infants and children underwent a whole-body PMCT scan at our institution following sudden unexpected death. Two paediatric radiologists reviewed the PMCT images, specifically focusing on non-specific postmortem modifications unrelated to the presumed cause of death.</p> </sec> <sec> <title id="sect0020">Results</title> <p id="sp0060">Iatrogenic post-mortem modifications included focal infiltration of the legs (<italic>n</italic>=15) and hemopericardium (<italic>n</italic>=2). Vascular postmortem modifications included hypostasis (density in the posterior sagittal sinus was correlated with density in the dependent portion of the heart (<italic>p</italic><0.001)), portal vein thrombosis (<italic>n</italic>=56, 75.3%), hyperattenuating aortic wall and reduced abdominal aortic diameter (<italic>n</italic>=69, 100%). Intravascular gas was detected in 40 subjects (57.9%). Ligamentum arteriosum calcification was seen in 42 children and was not correlated with age (<italic>p</italic>=0.68). Umbilical artery calcification was found in 30 children and was correlated with age (<italic>p</italic><0.005). Gaseous distension of the stomach (<italic>n</italic>=45, 65.2%) and bowels (<italic>n</italic>=44, 63.7%) was a frequent finding. Mean liver density was 49.6±7.5 HU and mean spleen density was 43.2±5.9 HU. Ground-glass opacity was observed in 63 cases (91.3%) and mild bilateral consolidation in 16 cases (23.1%).</p> </sec> <sec> <title id="sect0025">Conclusion</title> <p id="sp0065">Non-specific post-mortem signs are rare and new to clinical paediatric radiologists. They should be aware of these signs when interpreting whole-body PMCT images in cases of sudden unexpected death in infancy or childhood in order to avoid pitfalls that may have a critical impact.</p> </sec> </abstract>