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This book is an ideal introduction to the specialty of post mortem computed tomography (PMCT). It will serve as a comprehensive yet accessible guide to the understanding and interpretation of whole-body studies for both hospital and community settings. Both normal post mortem appearances and findings associated with a wide range of diagnoses encountered in real cases from the coronial service are presented with the aid of numerous images. The coverage encompasses not only findings in all anatomic regions but also the imaging appearances in cases following targeted coronary angiography, attempted cardiopulmonary resuscitation and various special circumstances such as suicide. The inclusion of many practical tips and possible pitfalls will support the radiologist to become more confident when reporting PMCT, while for the more experienced practitioner the wealth of examples will serve as a useful resource. In addition to radiologists, the book will be of value for pathologists at all levels of experience and anyone needing to understand the role and limitations of PMCT.

Post Mortem CT for Non-Suspicious Adult Deaths: An Introduction

Introduction

Hospital autopsies

Causes of death

Writing a report

 

Technical and legal considerations

Facilities

Operator

Scanning technique

Body positioning

Contrast

Data storage and use of images

Quality assurance and audit

 

External findings

 

Death and decomposition

Post-mortem interval

Decomposition          

Rigor mortis

Hypostasis

Post-mortem gas distribution

Post mortem clot

Algor mortis and temperature

Insect predation

Embalming

Identification

 

Intracranial

            Brain

            Vessels

            Bones

            Gas pattern

 

Extra-cranial head and neck

Bones and cartilage

Paranasal sinuses

Soft tissues

Eyes

Special circumstances: hanging

 

Chest

Lungs

Pleural and mediastinal space

Ventilated PMCT

Airways

Great vessels

Lymphadenopathy

Ribs

Special circumstances: drowning

 

Cardiac

Cardiac autopsy

Cardiovascular disease

Implanted devices

Anatomy

Anomalous coronary arteries

Myocardial bridging

Coronary dominance

Cardiothoracic ratio

Pericardial space

Calcium scoring

Coronary angiography

Method of coronary angiography

Cardiac air embolus

Coronary bypass grafts

 

Abdomen and Pelvis

Solid viscera

Gas patterns

Gastrointestinal tract

Abdominal aorta

Trauma

Special circumstances: body packing

 

Musculoskeletal

            Spine

            Limb trauma

            Infection and neoplasia

 

Findings related to attempted cardiopulmonary resuscitation

            Rib fractures

            Sternal and vertebral fractures

            Secondary findings

 

Special circumstances

Gunshot injury

Multiple injuries

Burns

 

Conclusion