Comparison of conventional autopsy with post-mortem magnetic resonance, computed tomography in determining the cause of unexplained death

摘要: Conventional autopsy is the gold standard for identifying unexplained death but due to declines in referrals, there an emerging role post-mortem imaging. We evaluated whether magnetic resonance (PMMR) and computed tomography (PMCT) are inferior conventional autopsy. Deceased individuals ≥ 2 years old with referred coronial investigation between October 2014 December 2016 underwent PMCT PMMR prior autopsy. Images were reported separately then compared findings by independent blinded investigators. Outcomes included accuracy of imaging modalities identify organ system cause other significant abnormalities. Sixty-nine individuals scanning (50 males; 73%) a median age 61 (IQR 50–73) time from 2 days 2–3). With autopsy, 48 (70%) had assessing primary outcome while remaining 21 (30%) only secondary outcome; 12 (17%) non-structural 9 (13%) no identifiable cause. identified 58% (28/48) cases; 50% (24/48) 35% (17/48) PMCT. The sensitivity specificity 57% 38% 73% Both 61% (57/94) abnormalities. Post-mortem when experienced clinicians, provides important information cardiac neurological deaths beneficial neurological, traumatic gastrointestinal deaths.