Four fatal models were prepared to investigate the time-related course of lung changes and appearance of pleural space fluid collection.
The lung hypostasis showed a different time course pattern according to the postmortem time, and also according to the causes of death.
The alveolar space fluid transudated the visceral pleura into the pleural space, and consequently the alveolar space fluid decreased and lung aeration increased.
The consideration of postmortem time course is essential in evaluating postmortem lung CT.