NCJ Number
142999
Journal
Journal of Forensic Sciences Volume: 38 Issue: 3 Dated: (May 1993) Pages: 708-713
Date Published
1993
Length
6 pages
Annotation
In this case study, computerized tomography (CT) was used to assist in confirming a human identification.
Abstract
The most common obstacle to definitively establishing identification is the absence of antemortem documentation with which to make adequate comparisons. Radiographic features of comparison for the human skull have been extensively reported in the literature. The use of an antemortem CT scan in this case study illustrated the potential utility of comparing lateral scout views and lateral skull X-rays for identification purposes. Here, a unilateral frontal sinus provided unique anatomic correspondence between an antemortem CT scan and a postmortem X-ray. Antemortem CT scans and scout views of the human skull show many features that can be compared with postmortem radiographs and should be considered an alternative means of identification when antemortem radiographs are unavailable. 2 figures and 7 references