Forensic Radiology Makes Virtual Autopsy a Reality

Embargoed for release until 9:30 a.m. CT, Wednesday, Dec. 3, 2003

CHICAGO — Swiss investigators are partnering the latest in radiologic imaging technology with forensic science to provide a bloodless, minimally invasive method to examine victims for causes of accidental deaths and murders.

In Switzerland, virtual autopsy is already a reality. The University of Berne's Institute of Forensic Medicine, in collaboration with its Institute of Diagnostic Radiology, has performed 100 virtual autopsies, or Virtopsy®, in the last three years. Michael Thali, M.D., a board-certified forensic pathologist and project manager for Virtopsy at the University, presented the crime and accident scene investigation technology today at the 89th Scientific Assembly and Annual Meeting of the Radiological Society of North America (RSNA).

"The virtual autopsy does not destroy key forensic evidence — which may be damaged during a classic autopsy," said Dr. Thali, who also has specialized training in radiology. "It can also be used in cultures and situations where autopsy is not tolerated by religion, such as in the traditional Jewish faith, or is rejected by family members. Some people do not like the idea of autopsy."

Virtual autopsy combines computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance (MR) imaging. The CT images provide information about the general pathology of the body and can generate detailed information about trauma injuries. MR imaging is used to focus on specific areas of the body, providing details about soft tissue, muscles and organs. To determine the time of death, Virtopsy uses MR spectroscopy — a technique that measures metabolites in the brain emerging during post-mortem decomposition.

In cases where a weapon is used, 3-D surface scanning — first used by the auto industry to develop and analyze auto parts — documents the surface of the body. Using a computer-aided design program, investigators can then compare the virtual model of an injury with the 3-D image of a simulation created by using a similar-type weapon.

"It's then possible to merge all of this information from the body's inside and outside into one data set on the computer," Dr. Thali said. "We now have 3-D, non-subjective information that can easily be presented in court — without showing graphic, horrible images that may shock people."

If necessary, data can be sent via compact disc or e-mail to another forensic pathologist for a second opinion, and stored for years on a computer. But virtual autopsy is expensive and right now there are graphic limitations in providing full-color information, according to Dr. Thali. Also, virtual autopsy cannot yet be used for a post-mortem angiography, which may reveal important information about the person's cardiovascular system at the time of death.

"It may be another 10 to 15 years before this method is accepted, but we've already started to present some of our data in the Swiss court system," Dr. Thali said. "I believe that forensic radiology will be a new science in the future."

Dr. Thali's collaborators and coauthors of this education exhibit are Richard Dirnhofer, M.D., and Peter Vock, M.D.

RSNA is an association of more than 35,000 radiologists, radiation oncologists and related scientists committed to promoting excellence in radiology through education and by fostering research, with the ultimate goal of improving patient care. The Society is based in Oak Brook, Ill.

###

Note: Copies of 2003 RSNA news releases and electronic images will be available online at www.rsna.org/press03 beginning Monday, Dec. 1.

For additional Virtopsy information, visit www.virtopsy.com.

Editor's note: The data in these releases may differ from those in the printed abstract and those actually presented at the meeting, as researchers continue to update their data right up until the meeting. To ensure you are using the most up-to-date information, please call the RSNA newsroom at (312) 949-3233.

FORENSIC RADIOLOGY MAKES VIRTUAL AUTOPSY A REALITY

View images:

Postmortem volume scanning of a packed human corpse using Multislice CT

3D demonstration of the finding by digital subtraction of posterior parts of the skull

3D reconstruction of bony structures showing all forensic criteria exit wound & fracture system of the skull.; Traditional bony preparation/maceration

Visualization of gunshot wound through the cerebellum by showing bony details using CT; Comparative visualization of soft tissue damage using MRI

Detailed visualization of MR-image makes precise verification of bullet track possible; Searching the bullet track at autopsy - traditional way

Massive filling of hearts cavities with air causes death in many traumatic cases; MR-Image shows the air within the heart imposingly

A case of a bicycle/motor vehicle accident. The MR-image shows the clearly demarcated soaking with blood of the damaged tissue; The same case at autopsy: The hematoma is not that well distinguished

Cross section of burned trunk showing air embolism within right heart chamber and a contusion of the left lung. Also visible is the stage of charring; Charred body: victim of a vehicle accident and investigation of the corpse

Death by hanging: 3D reconstruction of CT data shows the fracture of the horn of the hyoid bone. The same finding is even more difficult to find at autopsy because of surrounding tissue

Body in a body bag during scanning

Knife wound to the heart: autopsy and MR finding

Traumatic, letal air embolism after MVA

View related abstract:

Image-assisted, Minimally Invasive Virtual Autopsy