A fatal case of a ruptured cerebral aneurysm detected by postmortem computed tomography angiography using a new contrast-medium solution

Forensic autopsy is still the criterion standard in legal investigations. Currently, notable transformation is occurring because postmortem imaging is being increasingly endorsed. This article highlights the effectiveness of postmortem computed tomography angiography by using a new contrast medium mixture as a solitary tool to define the cause and manner of death in a ruptured cerebral aneurysm case. Based on the imaging results, autopsy was not mandated and the case was closed

The value of MRI for assessing danger to life in nonfatal strangulation

The assessment of danger to life (DTL) is the central question for medicolegal reports in cases of nonfatal strangulation. Petechiae (petechial hemorrhages on conjunctivae, mucosal surfaces and facial skin), and subjective symptoms, such as loss of consciousness, serve as indicators for the forensic assessment of DTL. However, only distinct petechiae are considered an objective finding for life-threatening strangulation. Since the presence of only a few petechiae does not necessarily indicate an asphyxial process and since petechiae may vanish within 1-3 days after the incident, further objective indicators are desired. Radiologic imaging has been considered a potential supplement for the forensic assessment of DTL. Computed tomography (CT) is the most commonly used radiologic modality for detecting the extent of injuries from blunt trauma to the neck and CT angiography allows the diagnosis of vascular injuries, such as carotid dissection. However, the focus of clinical radiology is the diagnosis of injuries that require medical treatment; thus, the applied examination methods and imaging protocols are not necessarily appropriate for forensic assessment in cases of strangulation. Furthermore, exposing a victim to radiation using CT may not be justifiable if the victim does not present severe symptoms. Consequently, noninvasive magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has been considered for medicolegal examinations in cases of nonfatal strangulation. The aim of this article is to discuss the role and potential value of MRI for the assessment of DTL in cases of nonfatal strangulation. For this purpose, the results, conclusions and recommendations of individual studies were compared and assessed