Age at Death Estimation Using Multislice Computed Tomography Reconstructions of the Posterior Pelvis*

Abstract: Thanks to recent advances, computed tomography is now seen as a tool of great value in the field of physical anthropology. In this study, we focused on the posterior pelvis and the auricular surface and evaluated the accuracy of 3D reconstructions of the auricular surface, using a methodology derived from a previous study by Lovejoy et al. We also looked for trabecular bone criteria expressing age‐related changes. Forty‐six coxal bones were scanned, and scoring of macroscopic criteria showed a good agreement between 3D reconstructions and photographs, especially for transverse organization (k = 0.90). The changes occurring in the posterior part of the sacropubic trabecular bundle were evaluated on CT reconstructions via three new criteria, which exhibited a good intra‐ and inter‐observer agreement (k = 0.77–0.89), and were particularly useful in identifying older subjects. We concluded that these CT‐evaluated trabecular bone criteria are promising and yield useful information about age at death.     

Computerized Image Analysis in Differentiation of Skin Lesions Caused by Electrocution, Flame Burns, and Abrasion

Abstract:  In the practice of forensic science, sometimes, it is not easy to understand whether skin lesion is due to electrocution and to differentiate the thermal burns and abrasion-type lesions, especially when electricity source cannot be revealed by death science investigation. Based on the causes of the lesions, cases were classified into three groups. Group 1 included 30 deaths from electrocution. Group 2 included 30 deaths with flame burns. Group 3 included 30 deaths from traffic accident cases, which had abrasions. In this study, epidermal nuclear area, perimeter, nuclear form factor, nuclear minimum axes, nuclear maximum axes, and minimum axes/maximum axes ratio were measured. As a result, we think that computerized image analysis beside light microscopic examination can be useful in the differentiation of the electrocution, flame burn, and abrasion type lesions.     

Virtual autopsy and forensic anthropology of a mummified fetus: a report of one case

A jar containing the mummified body of a fetus was found in a bush near a building. Full-body multislice computed tomography (MSCT) was performed prior to autopsy to study the bones and internal organs. Age was estimated by measuring femoral and tibial lengths and examining the temporal and occipital bones. The results were then compared with the autopsy and histopathological findings. MSCT was superior to autopsy for examination of the bones and internal organs. Autopsy was difficult because of the fragility of the dried corpse. MSCT determined the gestational age of the fetus and excluded skeletal abnormalities. Estimated age was similar with the two methods used. However, the major advantage of MSCT was rapid measurement of bones or anatomical regions which are difficult to examine during autopsy and which required specific preparation for further anthropological study. This case report illustrates the possibilities offered by MSCT for studying mummified bodies, even fetuses.     

Whole body postmortem angiography with a high viscosity contrast agent solution using poly ethylene glycol as contrast agent dissolver

Postmortem minimal invasive angiography has already been implemented to support virtual autopsy examinations. An experimental approach in a porcine model to overcome an initially described artificial tissue edema artifact by using a poly ethylene glycol (PEG) containing contrast agent solution showed promising results. The present publication describes the first application of PEG in a whole corpse angiographic CT examination. A minimal invasive postmortem CT angiography was performed in a human corpse utilizing the high viscosity contrast agent solution containing 65% of PEG. Injection was carried out via the femoral artery into the aortic root in simulated cardiac output conditions. Subsequent CT scanning delivered the 3D volume data of the whole corpse. Visualization of the human arterial anatomy was excellent and the contrast agent distribution was generally limited to the arterial system as intended. As exceptions an enhancement of the brain, the left ventricular myocardium and the renal cortex became obvious. This most likely represented the stage of centralization of the blood circulation at the time of death with dilatation of the precapillary arterioles within these tissues. Especially for the brain this resulted in a distinctively improved visualization of the intracerebral structures by CT. However, the general tissue edema artifact of postmortem minimal invasive angiography examinations could be distinctively reduced.     

外伤性视神经萎缩光相干断层成像表现及视功能损害

目的分析单侧外伤性视神经萎缩的光相干断层成像（optical coherence tomography,OCT）表现并探求其与视力、视野损害的关系。方法对15例外伤性视神经萎缩的法医学鉴定案例进行研究,所有案例均进行眼科常规检查、视觉电生理检查及视盘OCT检查,视力大于0．1者进行视野检查。结果15例视神经损伤者均有不同程度的视力、视野等视功能损害及视盘视网膜神经纤维层萎缩。结论外伤性视神经萎缩多始自视盘颞侧,鼻侧萎缩发生最晚且最轻;视神经萎缩程度越重,相应的视功能损害也越重;OCT技术对评价视神经萎缩有重要的意义,与视功能损害也有较好的吻合性。     

CT技术在尸体检验中的应用

自1990年CT首次应用于死后尸体检验以来,不断有学者对其在全身尸体检验中的价值和优势进行探讨。CT用于解剖前的系统检验,对解剖有指导作用,可以与解剖所见互相印证,有时还能弥补解剖检验的不足。本文综述了CT技术在尸体检验中对死因分析、致伤方式推断和个体识别等方面的主要应用价值及其发展趋势,提示CT技术与其他学科联合应用将在法医病理学领域发挥更大的作用。     

Initial Study for the Determination of the Sequence of Intersecting Lines between Gel Pens and Seals by Optical Coherence Tomography*

Determining the sequence of intersecting lines is a significant issue in the forensic document examination that can reveal the fraud or distinguish between different allegations. Optical coherence tomography (OCT) is a high-resolution cross-sectional imaging technique that has been introduced into forensic science field recently. The potential of OCT as a novel method to determine the sequence of intersecting lines was examined for the first time. In this study, a spectral-domain OCT system with a center wavelength of 900 nm was employed to perform nondestructive examination on determining the sequence of 18 heterogeneous intersecting line samples produced using three types of gel pens and three brands of stamp pad ink seals. Two-dimensional (2D) cross-sectional, and three-dimensional (3D) volumetric images of the intersecting lines were obtained by the OCT system. Several features were noted and analyzed to successfully determine the sequence of all the 18 samples. Blind tests were also conducted to demonstrate the effectiveness of OCT technique. The results illustrate that OCT technology can provide an effective and accurate method for sequencing intersecting lines of gel pen ink and seal ink, which may complement the conventional methods used in the examination of questioned documents.     

量刑情节的立法完善与技术完善

该文客观分析了中国刑法典对量刑情节规定的主要瑕疵,提出了对量刑情节的立法完善建议,指出电脑量刑技术的弊端、提出改进方向,并对颁布量刑指南的必要性和前提条件作了分析,为中国刑法典的修订提供参考。     

Fatal bilateral pneumothoraces after electroacupuncture treatment: A case report and literature review

Acupuncture is practiced as a complementary medicine worldwide. Although it is considered a safe practice, pneumothorax is one of its most common serious complications. However, there have been few reports of deaths due to pneumothorax after acupuncture treatment, especially focused on electroacupuncture. We report an autopsy case of a man in his 60s who went into cardiopulmonary arrest and died immediately after receiving electroacupuncture. Postmortem computed tomography (PMCT) showed bilateral pneumothoraces, as well as the presence of numerous gold threads embedded subcutaneously. An autopsy revealed two ecchymoses in the right thoracic cavity and a pinhole injury on the lower lobe of the right lung, suggesting that the needles had penetrated the lung. There were marked emphysematous changes in the lung, suggesting that rupture of bullae might also have contributed to bilateral pneumothoraces and fatal outcome. The acupuncture needles may have been drawn deeper into the body than at the time of insertion due to electrical pulses and muscle contraction, indicating the need for careful determination of treatment indications and technical safety measures, such as fail-safe mechanisms. This is the first case report of fatal bilateral pneumothoraces after electroacupuncture reported in the English literature. This case sheds light on the safety of electroacupuncture and the need for special care when administering it to patients with pulmonary disease who may be at a higher risk of pneumothorax. This is also the first report of three-dimensional reconstructed PMCT images showing the whole-body distribution of embedded gold acupuncture threads, which is unusual.     

Abdominal Stab Wounds with Tension Pneumopericardium Confirmed by Autopsy and Postmortem Computed Tomography

We present the first report of pneumopericardium observed by autopsy and on postmortem computed tomography (PMCT) images. The subject was a woman who died of self‐inflicted stab wounds to the abdomen. The PMCT scan revealed air in the pericardial sac, a “flattened heart” sign, and retroperitoneal hemorrhage. Medicolegal autopsy revealed two abdominal stab wounds near the xiphoid process that had cut the apical pericardium and adjacent diaphragm and liver. Examination of the open thorax confirmed that the pericardial sac was distended with air. The wound extended to the abdominal aorta, causing retroperitoneal hemorrhage. PMCT images showed that the pneumopericardial volume was 133 mL. We believe that cardiac tamponade occurred resulting from the tension pneumopericardium; however, the effects were mitigated by hypovolemia secondary to the retroperitoneal hemorrhage as well as obstructive shock. Therefore, the cause of death appears to have been low‐pressure cardiac tamponade.