Citation

Sieswerda-Hoogendoorn T, Strik AS, Hilgersom NF, Soerdjbalie-Maikoe V, van Rijn RR. J. Forensic Sci. 2014; 59(2): 559-563.

Affiliation

Department of Forensic Medicine, Netherlands Forensic Institute, PO Box 24044 2490 AA the Hague, The Netherlands; Department of Radiology, Emma Children's Hospital, Academic Medical Centre (AMC), Meibergdreef 9, 1105 AZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2014, American Society for Testing and Materials, Publisher John Wiley and Sons)

DOI

10.1111/1556-4029.12315

PMID

24328897

Abstract

Postmortem computed tomography (CT) is increasingly being used as a tool in forensic pathology. The exact value of postmortem imaging in detecting specific conditions has not yet been established, but in specific cases, it can be used as a diagnostic tool demonstrating findings that remain undetected during autopsy, as in this case. Pneumomediastinum and soft tissue emphysema were detected with postmortem CT in a 3-year-old girl after hanging. It was not found during autopsy. This radiological finding matches 3 adult cases previously described. It is assumed that in this case, the first reported in a child, hanging was the most likely cause as well. In the adult cases, it was interpreted as a vital sign; the person must have been alive to create a pressure gradient causing rupture of the alveoli. This case demonstrates one of the added values of postmortem imaging, the possibility of demonstrating findings that remain undetected during autopsy.

Language: en