Forensic Imaging最新文献

Basilar artery entrapment secondary to fracture of the clivus is an extremely rare entity that is associated with high-energy head trauma. We report the first published example with postmortem computed tomography (CT) angiographic correlation with antemortem CT angiography findings, as well as macroscopic and histological confirmatory images. In this case, the head impact was secondary to a fall from a bar stool. Given how often head injuries are encountered in forensic pathology, it is possible that clivus fractures with vertebral or basilar artery entrapment are less rare than has previously been recognised. This entity warrants consideration in cases of non-immediate death following head trauma, especially where there is evidence of posterior circulation ischaemic injury. Where possible, postmortem CT angiography should be undertaken, with a view for further specialised dissection of the vertebral arteries and basilar artery where indicated.

Contemporary documentation of a car with bullet defects after a shooting incident can secure the usual tracks and gunshot residue, take photographs, and use trajectory rods and probes. Since the advent of the “XXL-CT -Scanner” (Fraunhofer Institute, Germany), we have wondered if the advantages of volume scanning CT, already noted for forensic pathology, could be applied to cars. To this end, we damaged a small 3D-printed car model with an electric drill and added CT -dense material with a soldering iron, simulating linearly configured defect morphologies with metal particles. This model was CT -scanned and the resulting data visualized to illustrate how these visualizations can support reconstructive visualization of trajectories. Performing a real XXL-CT scan of a bullet-riddled car requires extensive preparation, transportation, and other logistical measures that are costly and time-consuming. Nonetheless, we suggest that this is a worthwhile research direction to explore.

A specialized branch of medical imaging known as forensic radiology is employed in legal proceedings by forensic experts, doctors, pathologists, and anthropologists for the purpose of evaluation. In the realm of forensic medicine and toxicology, imaging technologies and procedures have the potential to be effective and strong instruments in resolving medicolegal cases. In addition to a brief history, this article also discusses the application of post-mortem imaging, its economic benefits, and its current status in India with respect to the global context. Radiography is still the choice of modality for identifying and locating foreign bodies at the time of death despite the increase in PMMR and PMCT.

The high number of unidentified bodies recorded in South Africa annually, combined with substantial heterogeneity within the population, necessitates that innovative forensic analysis methods be developed that incorporate variations from South African groups. Although sizeable three-dimensional (3D) scanning modalities exist in osteology and anthropology, developing new advanced methods and techniques involving 3D scanning for real-life forensic applications require that the accessibility, practicality, and, more importantly, accuracy of the methods be taken into consideration. To this end, this study aimed to assess the reliability of 3D surface scanning-based topographical and shape analysis comparison to gold standard micro-focus X-ray computed tomography (micro-XCT) reconstructions for estimating population affinity.

Forty-four adult crania were collected from the Pretoria Bone Collection (PBC), University of Pretoria, South Africa. Two sets of 3D reconstructions were acquired from each cranium, namely micro-XCT scans and 3D surface scans. Three-dimensional reconstructions and landmark datasets were acquired from both scanning modalities and compared using reproducibility testing, geometric discrepancies, and shape analysis.

The minimal geometric discrepancies observed between the reconstructions suggest that both modalities will provide similar shape landmarks datasets and can be used without compromising the accuracy of the analyses at term. The statistical findings showed similar population affinity-related mid-facial shape variations analyzed across both modalities using geometric morphometric methods (GMM).

Incorporating multiple 3D scanning modalities and advanced GMM into the existing biological profile estimation will allow South African forensic anthropologists to analyze shape-related skeletal variation in a more accurate and repeatable way and provide an efficient biological profile in forensic cases.

This paper presents guidance in the form of 10 basic rules for those embarking upon or running established postmortem computed tomography (PMCT) reporting services to consider adopting to assist reducing the risk of erroneous diagnosis of PMCT reporting particularly where remote reporting services are being operated or non-pathology practitioners are taking on enhanced roles and responsibilities within a PMCT service traditionally undertaken by autopsy pathologists.

Terrorism is a global issue and a constant international threat.

Post-mortem imaging through post-mortem computed tomography (PMCT) techniques entered the panorama of methods used for forensic investigations, and are largely applied worldwide. In particular, since they can show the skeletal system and major parenchymal alterations and aid the localization of foreign bodies, they have been already applied in disasters related to terrorism attack, for identification of the victims, the documentation of injuries, and reconstruction of the event.

The aim of this paper is to explore the potentials of PMCT methods in forensic investigations related to terrorism attack.

Objectives

Investigating the impact of three common maceration techniques on the collagen content and autofluorescence of porcine bone, to ascertain the most suitable preparation method for bone undergoing ALS analysis.

Materials and methods

Hot water (80°C), biological washing powder (55°C), and enzymatic (55°C) maceration were used to prepare thirty porcine ribs (Sus scrofa domesticus) (n=10). Ribs were photographed before and after maceration using blue light (Crime-Lite 2, 450nm), coupled with an orange camera filter. Thermogravimetric analysis was used to quantify collagen content, and a bespoke computer program: The Osteo-Fluorescence Calculator (OFC) was used to quantify bone fluorescence.

Results

Ribs macerated in hot water exhibited homogenous fluorescence and produced a 5.5% average increase in fluorescence levels (n=10, s.d.=9.36, p=0.012) alongside a 11.2% loss in collagen content (n=10, s.d.=0.09, p=0.023). Biological washing powder was destructive to bone surfaces and produced an average collagen loss of 22.9% (n=10, s.d.=0.05, p= <0.001), while fluorescence was augmented (54.49%) and inconsistent (n=10, s.d.=27.46, p=0.180). Enzymatic maceration produced an average increase in fluorescence of 23.2% (n=10, s.d.=23.72, p=0.180), with a mostly consistent appearance except for some dark patches, and experienced a 19.5% loss in collagen content (n=10, s.d.=0.09, p=0.001).

Conclusions

Hot water maceration produced fluorescence results comparable to fresh bone with little impact on bone collagen and provides a suitable preparation technique for osseous ALS examination. Biological washing powder was destructive to bone collagen and produced exaggerated, inconsistent fluorescence and therefore should be avoided. Enzymatic maceration was the fastest method but requires an optimised formulation.

Accurate age-at-death (AAD) estimation is integral in establishing biological profiles in forensic anthropology, though standardized multivariate techniques are lacking. The current study developed and tested a three-dimensional convolutional neural network and three model variations with 1,224 de-identified cranial CT scans from the New Mexico Decedent Image Database. Each model required an input of an individual's cranial CT scan and outputted an AAD estimation. Model 3 was superior, successfully predicting AAD within 1.5 decades.