文摘
Forensic imaging has an increasing but controversial role in legal medicine. This debate is mostly due to the unclear and inconsistent terms which are currently in use. The aim of this article is to illustrate the imaging procedures used in forensic medicine and to explain the different appurtenant techniques. Essentially, these consist of radiological methods, such as conventional X-rays, computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging but other techniques, such as 3D surface scanning are also used. These basic methods can be extended by the use of minimally invasive techniques, such as post-mortem angiography and image-guided sampling. Each method has its own advantages and limitations. The evidential value of the examination therefore depends on the technique(s) used. It also depends on the training and experience of the examiners performing the method and interpreting the resulting images. Keywords Post-mortem computed tomography Magnetic resonance imaging Forensic radiology Virtual autopsy Sampling