Beyond Autopsy: PMCT as a Tool for Analysing Decomposed Remains

By Arpita Priya

Postmortem Computed Tomography (PMCT) is a non-invasive technique used in forensic investigations to examine deceased individuals. It provides detailed cross-sectional images of the body, allowing forensic experts to analyze injuries, fractures, and internal conditions without performing a traditional autopsy. It plays a crucial role in victim identification, especially where the traditional method is challenging.

Background and Invention

PMCT evolved from conventional CT scans and was first introduced in forensic science in the early 2000s. Initially, doctors used CT scans to diagnose diseases in living patients. However, forensic scientists realized they could use the same technology to examine deceased bodies without invasive procedures. Over time, PMCT became more popular than traditional X-rays in morgues due to its clearer and more detailed images.

The use of imaging in forensic studies began with X-rays, discovered by Wilhelm Conrad Röntgen in 1895. However, PMCT wasn’t widely adopted for forensic investigations until the last 20 years. Today, forensic experts use it alongside traditional autopsies to provide a more comprehensive understanding of the cause of death and assist in victim identification.

Working Mechanism

PMCT operates similarly to a medical CT scan but is applied to deceased individuals to understand pre-death conditions. It is particularly valuable when forensic experts aim to examine the body non-invasively, avoiding the need for a traditional autopsy.

1. The Body is Placed Inside the Scanner: The deceased is positioned inside a CT scanner, similar to medical scans for living patients. The body remains stationary while the machine scans it.
2. X-rays are Captured: X-ray beams pass through the body, capturing detailed images of internal structures like bones, organs, and injuries. Multiple image slices are generated, each showing a different cross-section of the body.
3. A 3-D Image is Created: The CT scanner processes the captured image slices to create a detailed 3D reconstruction of the body, allowing forensic experts to rotate and examine different parts from various angles to detect injuries, fractures, or foreign objects like bullets.
4. Analyzing the Cause of Death: Forensic experts study the 3D images to determine the cause of death by analyzing the visualized injuries and conditions.

The Role of PMCT in Forensic Investigations and Victim Identification

Postmortem CT (PMCT) enables forensic experts to examine bodies non-invasively, making investigations faster and more precise.

• Gunshot Cases: PMCT reveals the bullet’s path inside the body, showing entry and exit points and damage to bones and tissues, aiding police in reconstructing the shooting event.
• Fire Disasters: For severely burned victims, PMCT scans teeth and medical implants (e.g., screws or pacemakers) to assist in identification, as these structures often survive fires.
• Drowning Cases: PMCT detects water in the lungs, confirming drowning as the cause of death, while also identifying signs of violence if present.
• Decomposed Bodies: PMCT identifies hidden fractures, weapons inside the body, and can estimate the individual’s age, even in advanced decomposition.
• Plane Crashes: PMCT rapidly scans multiple victims, matching dental records or medical implants to confirm identities, preserving the body while providing strong forensic evidence.

Legal Aspects

PMCT is increasingly accepted in court as evidence in forensic cases, particularly when traditional autopsies are challenging or disputed. Different countries have varying regulations on the use of PMCT results, but it is typically combined with other forensic methods. While courts are beginning to accept PMCT findings, some jurisdictions still require a traditional autopsy to ensure comprehensive analysis. PMCT scans are used to:

• Confirm cause of death
• Provide digital records
• Support expert testimony

When used for victim identification, PMCT scans must be meticulously documented to ensure legal validity. Overall, PMCT is transforming forensic science by offering a non-invasive method to examine bodies, enhancing precision while preserving evidence.

Recent Cases

PMCT has proven invaluable in resolving significant forensic cases. It aids in examining unnatural deaths, such as murders and accidents, by providing detailed images of injuries and causes of death. Research indicates that PMCT complements traditional autopsies, revealing additional information that might otherwise be missed. In large-scale disasters like plane crashes or fires, PMCT accelerates victim identification, providing faster answers to families. Its non-invasive nature allows forensic teams to work efficiently without physically altering the body, enhancing the speed and precision of investigations.

Conclusion

PMCT is a modern forensic tool that enables non-invasive examination of bodies, playing a pivotal role in victim identification and cause-of-death analysis in cases involving gunshots, fires, drownings, decomposed remains, and plane crashes. It delivers rapid and accurate results, improving the efficiency of investigations. As courts increasingly recognize PMCT as legal evidence, it is reshaping forensic investigations by providing a non-invasive, detailed approach to body examination, preserving critical evidence while expediting complex case resolutions.

PMCT is revolutionizing forensic science by offering a non-invasive, precise, and efficient method to analyze deceased individuals, enhancing victim identification and cause-of-death determination in challenging cases.

PMCT Forensic Science Victim Identification Non-Invasive Cause of Death

References

• Norberti, N., et al. (2019). State of the art in post-mortem computed tomography: a review of current literature. Virchows Archiv, 475(2), 139–150. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00428-019-02562-4
• Flach, P. M., et al. (2014). Imaging in forensic radiology: an illustrated guide for postmortem computed tomography technique and protocols. Forensic Science Medicine and Pathology, 10(4), 583–606. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12024-014-9555-6
• Scholing, M., et al. (2009). The value of postmortem computed tomography as an alternative for autopsy in trauma victims: a systematic review. European Radiology, 19(10), 2333–2341. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00330-009-1440-4
• Nolte, K. B., et al. (2011). Postmortem X-ray Computed Tomography (CT) and Forensic Autopsy: A Review of the Utility, the Challenges and the Future implications. Academic Forensic Pathology, 1(1), 40–51. https://doi.org/10.23907/2011.007

Founders of Forensics