Blood Aspiration as a Vital Sign Detected by Postmortem Computed Tomography Imaging

• NCJ Number: 234644
• Journal: Journal of Forensic Sciences Volume: 56 Issue: 3 Dated: May 2011 Pages: 630-637
• Author(s): Laura Filograna, M.D.; Steffen Ross, M.D.; Stephan Bolliger, M.D.; Tanja Germerott, M.D.; Ulrich Preiss, M.D.; Patricia M. Flach, M.D.; Michael Thali, M.D.
• Date Published: May 2011
• Length: 8 pages
• Publication Format: Article
• Publication Type: Report (Study/Research)
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

Blood aspiration is a significant forensic finding. This study examined the value of postmortem computed tomography (CT) imaging in evaluating findings of blood aspiration.

Abstract

The authors selected 37 cases with autopsy evidence of blood in the lungs and/or in the airways previously submitted to total-body CT scanning. The CT-images were retrospectively analyzed. In one case with pulmonary blood aspiration, biopsy specimens were obtained under CT guide for histological examination. In six cases, CT detected pulmonary abnormalities suggestive of blood aspiration, not mentioned in the autopsy reports. CT reconstructions provided additional data about the distribution and extent of aspiration. In one needle-biopsied case, the pulmonary specimens showed blood in the alveoli. The authors suggest the use of CT imaging as a tool complementary to traditional techniques in cases of blood aspiration to avoid misdiagnosis, to guide the investigation of lung tissue, and to allow for more evidence-based inferences on the cause of death. (Published Abstract)