Whole Body Postmortem Magnetic Resonance Angiography

• NCJ Number: 240291
• Journal: Journal of Forensic Sciences Volume: 57 Issue: 3 Dated: May 2012 Pages: 778-782
• Author(s): Thomas D. Ruder, M.D.; Gary M. Hatch, M.D.; Lars C. Ebert, Ph.D.; Patricia M. Flach, M.D.; Steffen Ross, M.D.; Garyfalia Ampanozi, M.D.; Michael J. Thali, M.D., M.B.A.
• Date Published: May 2012
• Length: 5 pages
• Publication Format: Article
• Publication Type: Research (Applied/Empirical)
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

Computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance (MR) imaging have become important elements of forensic radiology.

Abstract

Computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance (MR) imaging have become important elements of forensic radiology. Whereas the feasibility and potential of CT angiography have long been explored, postmortem MR angiography (PMMRA) has so far been neglected. The researchers tested the feasibility of PMMRA on four adult human cadavers. Technical quality of PMMRA was assessed relative to postmortem CT angiography (PMCTA), separately for each body region. Intra-aortic contrast volumes were calculated on PMCTA and PMMRA with segmentation software. The results showed that technical quality of PMMRA images was equal to PMCTA in 4/4 cases for the head, the heart, and the chest, and in 3/4 cases for the abdomen, and the pelvis. There was a mean decrease in intra-aortic contrast volume from PMCTA to PMMRA of 46 percent. PMMRA is technically feasible and allows combining the soft tissue detail provided by MR and the information afforded by angiography. Abstract published by arrangement with John Wiley & Sons.