Comparison of CT dental reconstruction techniques for use in identification of the deceased

Introduction

Post-mortem CT data files can be used to create curved multi-planar dental reconstructions for use in the identification of the deceased.

Materials and methods

21 decedents were scanned using a Siemens Somatom Definition Flash CT scanner on admission to VIFM. This data was reconstructed into four differing dental CMPRS on both the CT Console workstation and the Syngo.Via workstation. Cases selected met the following criteria: requiring scientific identification and adult dentition present. The four reconstruction techniques on two post processing platforms were then compared and graded by a forensic odontologist.

Results

For both maxilla and mandible data sets the CT Console 2.5/2.5 faired poorer than all the other reconstructions included in this study. Statistically speaking all the other reconstruction techniques were of equivalent value. The reconstruction that was graded as best for AM: PM comparison most frequently was 20 mm/5 mm for both jaws.

Discussion

The SyngoVia® software's capacity to correct for head rotation and tilt can virtually align the image to a more symmetrical position. Used in combination with the thicker reconstruction slices of 20 mm combined with finer slice interval of 5 mm offers the image appearance similar to that of a true AM OPG projection and can enhance the features useful for dental identification comparison techniques.

Conclusion

The 20 mm slice thickness/5 mm slice interval reconstruction method (processed on the SyngoVia® platform) provides the most useful image for AM to PM dental comparisons.