The Role of Postmortem Computed Tomography in the Evaluation of Strangulation Deaths. Issue 5 (21st February 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Decker, Lauren A.; Hatch, Gary M.; Lathrop, Sarah L.; Nolte, Kurt B.
• Is Part Of: Journal of forensic sciences. Volume 63:Issue 5(2018)
• Page Start: 1401
• Page End: 1405
• Publication Date: 2018-02-21
• Subjects: forensic science -- strangulation -- autopsy -- postmortem computed tomography -- hyoid -- thyroid cartilage -- cricoid cartilage -- fractures -- soft tissue hemorrhage; Medical jurisprudence -- Periodicals; Forensic sciences -- Periodicals; Forensic Medicine -- Periodicals; Gerechtelijke geneeskunde; Gerechtelijke chemie; Gerechtelijke psychiatrie; 363.2505
• DOI: 10.1111/1556-4029.13760
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0022-1198

Abstract

Abstract: We explored the value of postmortem computed tomography (PMCT) to augment autopsy in evaluating strangulation fatalities. A literature search identified 16 studies describing autopsy findings in 576 deaths and two studies describing autopsy and PMCT findings in six deaths. Similar cases were identified from our institution, yielding 130 deaths with autopsy findings and 14 deaths with both autopsy and PMCT findings. The presence of laryngohyoid fracture and soft tissue hemorrhage was compared from autopsy and autopsy+PMCT cases. The detection rates of fractures in autopsy and autopsy+PMCT cases were not significantly different. PMCT identified all fractures observed at autopsy and five fractures not identified. While PMCT may not detect soft tissue injuries in decomposed remains or subtle internal hemorrhages in neck injury, it is equally able to detect bony injuries as autopsy and might surpass autopsy in detecting subtle fractures. We conclude PMCT is useful to supplement autopsy in strangulation cases.