Search

Background: Obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) can cause sudden death during sleep. Previous findings have suggested that OSAS development is related to maxillofacial morphology. Evaluation of facial morphology can determine the risk of developing the disease, and establishing an objective method to assess the underlying etiology of OSAS-related death would be advantageous. background: Obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) can cause sudden death during sleep, and previous findings suggest that development of OSAS is related to maxillofacial morphology. Evaluation of facial morphology can determine the risk of developing the disease, and that the establishment of an objective method to assess the underlying etiology of OSAS-related death would be advantageous. Objective: The objective of this study is to determine the key features of obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) using postmortem oral and pharyngeal computed tomography (CT). objective: To determine the key features of obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) via postmortem oral and pharyngeal computed tomography (CT). Methods: We retrospectively assessed autopsy cases of patients with (n=25) and without (n=25) OSAS-related death. We used oral and pharyngeal CT images to compare the oral and pharyngeal cavity volume (OPCV), oral and pharyngeal soft tissue volume (OPSV), oral and pharyngeal air space volume (OPAV), and OPAV to OPCV ratio (%air). Receiver operating curve (ROC) analysis was used to determine the accuracy of OSAS prediction. We assessed participants with body mass index (BMI) values within the normal range. method: We assessed autopsy cases of patients with (n=25) and without (n=25) OSAS-related deaths. We took oral and pharyngeal CT images to compare oral and pharyngeal cavity volume (OPCV); oral and pharyngeal soft tissue volume (OPSV); oral and pharyngeal air space volume (OPAV); and OPAV to OPCV ratio (%air). Receiver operating curve (ROC) analysis determined the accuracy of OSAS prediction. We assessed subjects with body mass index (BMI) values within normal range similarly. Results: Among the 50 subjects, we observed significant between-group differences in OPSV, OPAV, and % air, whereas there were significant between-group differences in OPSV and %air among 28 subjects with normal BMI values. Both comparisons suggested that OSAS-related death was associated with low %air and high OPSV values. Conclusion: The %air and OPSV are useful for assessing postmortem oropharyngeal CT images. OSAS-related sudden death is likely when %air and OPSV values are ≤20.1% and ≥127.2 ml, respectively. Among those with normal BMI values, % air and OPSV values of ≤22.8% and ≥111.5 ml, respectively, predict OSAS-related sudden death. conclusion: %air and OPSV are useful for assessing postmortem oropharyngeal CT images. OSAS-related sudden death is likely when %air and OPSV values are ≤20.1% and ≥127.2 ml, respectively. Among those with BMI values in normal range, %air and OPSV values of ≤22.8% and ≥111.5 ml, respectively, predict OSAS-related sudden death. other:

Liquid embolic agents are widely used for the endovascular embolization of vascular conditions. However, embolization based on phase transition is limited by the adhesion of the microcatheter to the embolic agent, use of an organic solvent, unintentional catheter retention, and other complications. By mimicking thrombus formation, a water-soluble polymer that rapidly glues blood into a gel without triggering coagulation was developed. The polymer, which consists of cationic and aromatic residues with adjacent sequences, shows electrostatic adhesion with negatively charged blood substances in a physiological environment, while common polycations cannot. Aqueous polymer solutions are injectable through clinical microcatheters and needles. The formed blood gel neither adhered to the catheter nor blocked the port. Postoperative computed tomography imaging showed that the polymer can block the rat femoral artery in vivo and remain at the injection site without nontarget embolization. This study provides an alternative for the development of waterborne embolic agents.

The purpose of this study was to review the findings of computed tomography (CT) performed early postmortem on infants and to clarify the postmortem CT lung findings that occur in the absence of abnormal histopathological findings.From July 2016 to March 2022, 72 infants were autopsied with postmortem CT (41 boys 31 girls, aged 0-36 (mean 8.2) months). Autopsy and postmortem CT lung findings were compared with the causes of death identified by the autopsies, namely sudden infant death syndrome (n = 37), acute circulatory system disease (18), drowning (7), asphyxia (5), and dehydration/undernutrition (5).The %aerated lung volume (-700 HU or less) ranged from 0 % to 33 % (mean 1.5 %, median 0 %), being1 % in 61 cases (84.7 %) and3 % in 3/5 (60 %) of the dehydration/undernutrition group. The dehydration/undernutrition group showed significant preservation of lung field air content compared with the other causes of death groups (p 0.05). Receiver characteristic curve analysis showed a cut off value of 0.8 % and area under the curve of 0.88806. The drowning group had significantly greater pleural cavity fluid retention than the other causes of death groups (p 0.05). No correlation was found between postmortem interval and pleural cavity fluid retention. However, resuscitation time and pleural cavity fluid retention were correlated.Evaluation of CT values on postmortem lung fields of infants usually reveals a marked decrease in air content. When air content exceeds 0.8% on infant postmortem CT, dehydration/undernutrition should be considered in the differential diagnosis.

In forensic medicine, although various alcohols have been reported as indicators of decomposition in collected blood, no studies have examined short-chain fatty acids as indicators. In this study, the blood n-butyric acid concentration was quantified, and the association between n-butyric acid and decomposition was investigated to determine whether the detection of n-butyric acid could be a new indicator of decomposition. Among the forensic autopsies performed from 2016 to 2018 in our laboratory, the cases were divided into decomposed (n = 20) and non-decomposed (n = 20) groups based on macroscopic findings. Blood samples collected at the time of autopsy were derivatized with 3-nitrophenylhydrazine hydrochloride after solid-phase extraction. The n-butyric acid concentration was measured using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. In addition, ethanol and n-propanol were measured using a gas chromatography-flame ionization detector. There was a significant difference (p 0.01) in the concentrations of n-butyric acid between the decomposed and non-decomposed groups (0.343 ± 0.259 [0.030-0.973] and 0.003 ± 0.002 [0.001-0.007] mg/mL, respectively). In the decomposed group, n-butyric acid was detected at high concentrations, even in cases where n-propanol was low. These results suggest that n-butyric acid is more likely to be an indicator of blood decomposition than n-propanol.

We evaluated the usefulness of skull fracture analysis using three-dimensional computed tomography skull fracture scores (3DCT-SFs) in cases of fatal falls.From April 2016 to September 2020, 46 cases of fatal falls from great heights (33 males, 13 females; mean age: 52.7 (range: 18-89) years) were examined using routine postmortem CT. The 3DCT-SFs were determined as the sum of the fracture line lengths measured on a volume rendering image. Skull fracture severity was classified into four stages according to the 3DCT-SFs. These stages were compared by macroscopic evaluation of skull fracture severity (injury level 0: no fracture; injury level I: fracture without deviation; injury level II: fracture with deviation; injury level III: comminuted open skull fracture). The relationship between 3DCT-SFs values, the fall distance, and the hardness of the landing surface was also examined.Skull fractures occurred in 26 cases (56.5%). The mean 3DCT-SFs of the cases that were classified as stages I, Ⅱ, and III were 86.6 (5.0-187.0), 832.0 (235.1-1865.8), and 3582.5 (2171.6-4787.6), respectively. Upon macroscopic evaluation of fracture severity, there were 8, 10, and 8 cases of injury levels I, II, and III, respectively. The 3DCT-SFs-based stages correlated significantly with the macroscopic skull fracture severity levels (RThe 3DCT-SFs correlate well with macroscopic findings and are useful as an objective skull fracture index.

Obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) induces upper airway occlusion and may cause sudden death during sleep. This study sought to clarify the relationship between oral air space volume and OSAS onset, which is influenced by multiple factors, such as jawbone, dentition morphology, and oral soft-tissue volume. (1) 50 subjects from deceased cases were divided into two groups: OSAS (25 subjects) and controls (25 subjects). (2) 28 subjects from clinical cases were divided into two groups: OSAS (9 subjects) and controls (19 subjects). In all cases, the Computed Tomography (CT) images of the facial region were obtained, and four parameters of oral area volume were analyzed in deceased and clinical cases, and comparisons and analyses were performed between OSAS and control cases. In addition, the efficiency of measurement of these parameters was evaluated using Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) curves in OSAS. (1) In deceased cases, oral soft-tissue volume (OSV), oral air-space volume (OAV), and the ratio of OAV to OSV (%air) showed a significant correlation. (2) In clinical cases, OAV and %air showed a significant correlation. In both postmortem and clinical images, a small %air value indicates a high risk of developing OSAS and a high probability of OSAS-related sudden death. It was shown that the %air is an index to evaluate OSAS by CT imaging of the oral region. OSAS may be indicated when the %air value is ≦ 16.0% in deceased cases and ≦ 6.6% in clinical cases.

Quantitative analysis of thiosulfate is useful for diagnosing hydrogen sulfide poisoning. Liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC–MS/MS) enables more rapid and sensitive measurements than previous methodologies. As simple measurements of blood thiosulfate concentration are affected by the blood matrix, blood is used as the solvent to prepare the standard solution for calibration curve generation. Thus, a large amount of blood devoid of thiosulfate is required. We developed a preparation method by incorporating an ultrafiltration step to overcome this limitation and generate a calibration curve using a standard solution prepared with pure water. We used this improved method to investigate the stability of thiosulfate in refrigerated samples. To compare the effects of refrigeration, blood samples were prepared using the following two methods: one sample was treated with a 50-kDa exclusion ultrafiltration membrane and the other was not treated. The samples were stored at 4 °C, and then measured at 0, 3, 6, 24, 48, and 96 h. The incorporation of the ultrafiltration step in the measurement procedure enabled the quantification of thiosulfate, by plotting a calibration curve using a standard of pure water; it did not require a blood standard. Additionally, the reduction in whole blood thiosulfate concentration was within 10% during 2 days of refrigeration. Thus, the need for a large amount of blood to prepare the standard solution was resolved by the ultrafiltration step in test sample preparation. This method is useful to measure thiosulfate concentration and is not hindered by sample refrigeration for a few days.

Postmortem computed tomography (CT) is a minimally invasive technique to examine internal organs before a forensic autopsy. The purpose of our study was to estimate lung weight in a forensic setting in cases of various lung states, including fluid accumulation (congestion, edema, hypostasis, and inflammation etc.) using postmortem CT. From January 2016 to July 2018, 111 deceased bodies (62 males and 59 females, aged from 18 to 95 (average 59.6) years) were examined by CT before autopsy. Both lungs of the 111 deceased were analyzed separately, making it a total of 222 samples. We extracted lung fields from CT images manually after semi-automatic detection using an image workstation. The total lung volume and 6 categories of lung volume divided according to their CT density were measured. Multiple regression analysis was performed with lung weight in autopsy as the response variable, while the 6 categories were labelled as explanatory variables. The relation between lung weight in autopsy and lung weight estimated using postmortem CT showed a high Pearson’s correlation coefficient (R2 = 0.9106). Using postmortem CT, the lung weight can be estimated in forensic settings.

Case report, A man in his fifties was found dead in his bed. Using postmortem CT, the frontal sinus wall was seen to have been destroyed and a subcutaneous / intra-cranial mass-like lesion was detected. Postmortem blood biochemical examination demonstrated high values of urea nitrogen, c-reactive protein, procalcitonin, and precepsin, which were thought to be due to sepsis. Needle aspiration showed reddish viscous fluid, and the presence of Klebsiella oxytoca was confirmed by culture inspection. Based on these results, Pott's puffy tumor with intracranial empyema, and dehydration with sepsis in the agonal period was assessed as the cause of death. Using autopsy evaluation, it was possible to come to a concrete conclusion, but a minimally invasive autopsy might be an alternative approach to investigate the cause of death.

Purpose The aim of this study is to estimate the lung weight using postmortem CT in well aerated lung autopsy cases. The correlation coefficients to the lung weight were also evaluated for the cadavers' height, weight, whole body surface area (WBSA), body mass index, and estimated lung volume. Materials and methods From October 2015 to July 2016, 31 cadavers (male 12, female 19, age 20–98 (mean 66.9) y.o., postmortem interval 0.3–75.0 (5.7) days) were compared as regards body weight, height, whole body surface area (WBSA), body mass index (BMI), lung volume on CT, and total lung volume classified into several CT number categories, with their lung weight in autopsy. Results The lung weight (mean ± SE) was 284.9 ± 14.8 g in right lung and 249.3 ± 12.9 g in left lung. The %ALV was 79.9 ± 0.9 HU (mean ± standard error (SE)) in both lungs, 80.3 ± 1.3 HU in right lung, and 77.6 ± 2.0 HU in left lung. Using a simple linear regression test, there was no statistically significant correlation between the lung weight and the categories (R 2 : body height 0.234, weight 0.224, WBSA 0.309, BMI 0.046, lung volume 0.059). The volume for each individual CT density category showed no significant correlation, but the stepwise regression test yielded an excellent correlation coefficient (R 2 = 0.840). Conclusion The well aerated lung weight was 284.9 ± 14.8 g in right lung and 249.3 ± 12.9 g in left lung, and the postmortem CT could estimate the lung weight with high correlation coefficient.

Postmortem CT for investigating childhood deaths is increasingly utilised as a noninvasive adjunct or alternative to standard autopsy; however there are no standardised published imaging protocols. This article describes a standardised imaging protocol that has been developed based on current practices of international postmortem imaging practitioners and experts. This recommendation is expected to be useful for postmortem imaging centres wishing to update their existing practices and for those starting paediatric postmortem CT as a new service.

The purpose of this study was to attempt a digital analysis of body color tone of elderly subjects, thus demonstrating that nurses and caregivers can easily and reliably record changes in body color tone. This cross-sectional study took place between April 1, 2017 and March 31, 2019. A workshop was set up where observers received explanations from researchers on how to use color charts and recording forms. Measurement instruments (digital cameras) were also standardized in this effort. While the elderly subjects targeted by this study suffered from dementia, they were able to converse and understood the purpose of the study, and the study was conducted with their and their families’consent. In addition, after receiving approval from a research ethics examination from an affiliated university, the target facility gaining this consent was subjected to an ethical review, after which we implemented the study in accordance with ethical guidelines for medical research on humans. Consent was obtained from 30 subjects (20 female (66.7%), 8 male (26.7%) and 2 for which the gender was unknown; average age: 87.8 years (minimum 80 years, maximum 100 years)). We were able to perform digital image analysis of the lesion site and unaffected parts, and present numerical values. Evaluations by observers were significantly different depending on the individual, and subjectivity greatly influenced comparisons with the color chart based on visual evaluations. It was confirmed that numerical evaluation of images taken in hospitals and nursing homes could also be performed using general-purpose software.

Objective The present study aims to assess the correlation between stature and partial femur measurements in Japanese population, using three-dimensional (3D) computed tomographic (CT) images. Method A total of 195 cadavers (105 males, 90 females) underwent postmortem CT scanning and subsequent forensic autopsy between April 2013 and June 2014. Five femur length measurements were taken from 3D CT volume rendering (VR) images according to three anatomical landmarks: the greater trochanter, the lesser trochanter, and the adductor tubercle. The correlations between stature and each of the femur length measurements were assessed with Spearman's rank correlation test, and showed significant correlations between stature and femur length measurements. Results Using a mixed-sex regression formula, the R 2 was from 0.644 to 0.766 and actual difference was less than 4.6cm. Conclusion Present study showed that femur length measurements, according to the anatomical landmarks obtained from 3DCT VR images, were useful for estimation of the stature, particularly in cases when a total femur bone was not available.

Purpose: We retrospectively evaluated the cerebro-spinal fluid (CSF) CT density at the lateral ventricle to compare the postmortem intervals in cadavers. Materials and methods: The number of cadavers enrolled in this study was 189 (male 120, female 69). According to the estimated postmortem time, the cadavers were divided into 13 groups (postmortem day 0.5, 1, 1.5, 2, 2.5, 3, 4, 5, 7, 10, 14, 21, 30), and were also re-grouped into 3 groups according to the postmortem time-width: group A (postmortem day 0.5-2.5), group B (day 3-7), and group C (day 10-30). Comparisons between the CSF density and estimated postmortem time were also analyzed. Results: The CSF density was around 20 HU up to day 2.5, and it increased gradually after day 3. Day 3 and 4 presented higher CSF density than day 1 and 1.5 (p < 0.05). Day 7 presented higher CSF density than day 3 (p < 0.05). According to the postmortem time-width, the CSF density increased with postmortem time (p < 0.05). The simple linear regression equations presented negative correlation between CSF density and estimated postmortem time, and R2 was 0.119. Conclusion: The CSF density increased, but not linearly, according to the postmortem time, and the 3rd postmortem day was the earliest time allowing the difference to be detected. The CSF density needs further evaluation to enable estimation of the postmortem time.

Objective Experimental fatal models were prepared to investigate the time-related course of lung changes using postmortem CT (PMCT). This study was approved by our institutional animal ethics committee. Materials and methods Twenty-four NZW rabbits (female 24, 2.30–4.30 (mean 3.10)kg) were divided into 4 fatal groups; drowning, hypothermia, bag suffocation, and Potassium Chloride intravenous (control) group. All individuals were examined by CT (Aquilion CX, Toshiba, Japan) on postmortem time course until detection of putrefaction air. The percent of aerated lung volume (%ALV=100*(ALV/total lung volume)) was measured and the pleural space fluid was investigated by axial imaging. A paired t -test and Bonferroni/Dunn study were employed for statistical evaluation. Results In intra-group analysis, the %ALV showed statistically different periods compared with each pre-image: 4–48h in control, 1–24h in drowning, 5–6h in hypothermia, and 1–4h in bag suffocation. In inter-group comparison (compared with control group), the %ALV increased in suffocation and decreased in drowning within 12h. The %ALV remained significantly high in hypothermia until 24h. The earliest detection times of pleural space fluid collection were different in each group: control (20h), drowning (18h), suffocation (36h), and hypothermia (95h). Conclusion The lung hypostasis and the appearance of pleural space fluid collection presented differently in individual causes of death and depending on the postmortem time.

Non-traumatic osteonecrosis of the femoral head (ONFH) is believed to be avascular necrosis. Certainly, a disruption of a supplying artery induces necrosis in the supplying artery-dominant region. However, when an abnormality such as cell apoptosis, or another reason, is developed in the supplying artery-dominant region, it induces a disruption of the supplying artery. Therefore, to prove that ONFH is avascular necrosis, it is necessary to demonstrate the disruption of the supplying artery prior to histological osteonecrosis development. Here we investigate histologically, using a rat model, whether disruption of the supplying artery occurs before the initial development of ONFH following corticosteroid treatment. Rats were given imiquimod and methylprednisolone, and were sacrificed 1, 2, 3, 7 or 14 days after the last injection. At the sacrifice, the rat was perfused with 20 ml black Indian ink through the left ventricle. ONFH was observed in the Imiquimod + Methylprednisolone group at 7 and 14 days. The osteonecrotic area was not stained with perfused black Indian ink. However, the lateral portion of the femoral head near the superior retinacular artery was stained with the ink. In conclusion, the present study shows that the superior retinacular artery did not occlude before the initial development of ONFH histologically in rats.

Ground glass attenuation (GGA) of the lungs is a common finding of post-mortem computed tomography (PMCT) that is associated with pulmonary congestion and edema due to cardiac failure during the agonal period, or due to post-mortem hypostasis. However, hypo-attenuation of the lung is an atypical finding of PMCT, and is usually a consequence of hypovolemic states before death or postmortem body posture after death. Previous studies have shown a few differential diagnoses, such as hypothermia, massive hemorrhage, asphyxiation by hanging, and dehydration, for hypo-attenuation of the lung. This report presents the case of a woman who died suddenly because of an asthma attack. Our PMCT analysis demonstrated hypoattenuation of the lung in this case. We suggest fatal asthma as a differential diagnosis for the appearance of hypo-attenuation of lungs on PMCT.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the influence of infusion on cadaver lung, and to evaluate the mechanism of increasing lung density in postmortem CT. From December 2017 to January 2018, 6 New Zealand White rabbits were examined by postmortem CT with saline injection (total 80 cml, and 160 ml) after humane killing. Postmortem CT finding on lung field, and hisopathological evaluation were compared. The average CT densities were antemortem (-524.8 ± 16.1 HU), 80 ml injection (-474.2 ± 25.9 HU) and 160 ml injection (-225.3 ± 23.1 HU), and there was no significant difference between antemortem and the 80 ml injection group, but the 160 ml injection group presented statistically increased lung density compared with antemortem and the 80 ml injection group. From segmented volume data analysis, after saline infusion, the aerated lung area and less edematous lung area decreased their volumes. In addition, highly edematous lung area, organ parenchymal area, and blood and/or calcification area increased. In contrast, the lung volume was not changed. In conclusion, depending on the infusion volume, the average lung density increases, the aerated lung volume decreases, and the edematous lung volume increases in postmortem CT.

The aim of this study is to experimentally evaluate the computed tomography (CT) attenuation of water, saline, iced saline and water ice cubes in order to relate these measurements to low density findings of cadavers on PMCT. Comparing the fluids with the iced materials, the CT number was lower in iced (frozen, with gas) saline (fNaCl) and ice cubes (frozen, without gas) (fH 2 O) than in saline (NaCl) and tap water (H 2 O). The fNaCl, which contained small air bubbles, presented significant lower CT number than fH 2 O. The fNaCl and fH 2 O showed around −80 HU and the values were concordant with the theoretical result. In cases where low density is found when a cadaver is undergoing a CT examination at low temperature, including the freezing effect as a new differential diagnosis could result in more accurate PMCT interpretation.

Postmortem CT (PMCT) is increasingly used in forensic practice, and knowledge and classification of typical postmortem imaging findings would facilitate the interpretation of PMCT. The goal of this study was to define the time-related course of postmortem chest findings. Twelve cadavers (eight male, four female, 27–81 [mean, 60.0]years) were examined twice by PMCT within an interval of time (4–164h [mean, 30.8; median, 17.5]). The pleural-space-fluid volume, pulmonary parenchyma volume, decreased aerated lung volume (DLV), %DLV (=DLV/pulmonary parenchyma volume) and chest cavity volume were compared between the first and second PMCT examinations. To evaluate the volume change rate, the rate of increase in pleural space fluid volume (mL/h) and the DLV rate (mL/h) were plotted according to the postmortem period. On the second PMCT, the volume of pleural space fluid (p=0.0469) and %DLV (p=0.0161) were significantly increased. The increase rate of the pleural space fluid increased at approximately 30h and the volume continued to increase until approximately 40h after death. The rate of DLV constantly decreased in the early postmortem period. In conclusion, the pleural-space-fluid collection and the DLV increased over different time-related courses in the postmortem period.

There has been an increasing demand for interventional radiology (IR) procedures for the treatment of severe postpartum hemorrhage (PPH) (also called critical hemorrhage in obstetrics). The Japanese Society of Interventional Radiology Guideline Committee developed the practical guidelines for IR procedures for severe PPH using evidence-based methodology. This article aimed to describe the rationale for developing these guidelines and to provide the answers for clinical questions about IR procedures consisting of current available evidence and the consensus among experts.

An 11-month-old female baby was found dead by her mother. Cranial postmortem CT prior to the forensic autopsy showed dilatation of bilateral extra-axial spaces and ventricles. The autopsy revealed a new linear fracture of the left parietal bone and occipital bone, and a healed linear fracture of the right parietal bone and occipital bone like a mirror image of the left one as well. Intracranially, 230 ml of subdural fluid were collected, which was mixed with blood. There was a fresh hemorrhage around a bridging vein of the left parietal lobe and the dura mater. Moreover, the outer side of the cerebrum and the inner side of the dura mater were covered by a thin membrane, which mater might have been previously formed because of being positive for Fe-staining and anti-CD68 antibody. A subdural hematoma might have been developed when the right side of the skull was previously fractured, which was transformed into a subdural hygroma. Subsequently, it is likely that, after the left side fracture of the skull occurred, the subdural hygroma rapidly enlarged due to hemorrhaging from the bridging vein, which resulted in intracranial hypertension, because microbleeding was detected in the brain stem. Accordingly, we diagnosed the cause and manner of death as intracranial hypertension due to subdural hemorrhage in subdural hygroma, and homicide, including child abuse, respectively.

To identify lung findings specific to fatal hypothermia on postmortem computed tomography (CT) imaging. Whole body CT scans were performed followed by full autopsy to investigate causes of death. There were 13 fatal hypothermia cases (group A) and 118 with other causes of death (group B). The chest cavity (CC), dead space including fluid/pneumothorax (DS), aerated lung volume (ALV), percentage aerated lung (%ALV), and tracheal aerated volume (ATV) were measured. Autopsy findings of groups A and B were compared. Receiver operating characteristics (ROC) curves were used to identify factors specific to fatal hypothermia. There were no differences in age, sex, number with emphysema, or time from death to CT examination between the 2 groups. CC, DS, ALV, %ALV, and ATV were 2601.0±247.4 (mL), 281.1±136.5 (mL), 1564.5±281.1 (mL), 62.1±6.2(%), and 21.8±2.7 (mL) in group A and 2339.2±67.7 (mL), 241.1±38.0 (mL), 739.9±67.0 (mL), 31.4±2.3(%), and 15.9±0.8 (mL) in group B, respectively. There were statistically significant differences between groups A and B in ALV, %ALV and ATV. The multiple comparison procedure revealed that ALV and %ALV differed significantly between fatal hypothermia and other causes of death (p0.05). Using ROC evaluation, %ALV had the largest area under the curve (0.819). This study demonstrates that the %ALV is greater in fatal hypothermia cases than in those with other causes of death on postmortem CT chest imaging. Based on CT, hypothermia is very likely to be the cause of death if the %ALV is70%.

Purpose: To evaluate the usefulness of the applied freezing technique in putrefied brain for macroscopic investigation. Materials and methods: From October 2015 to September 2016, first the brains of 10 cadavers (control group: male 6, female 4, age 20-80 (mean 61.5), postmortem intervals (PMI) 14-75 (mean 29.7) days) were inspected following the standard practice (without freezing preparation), and then with 10 cadavers (freezing group: male 7, female 3, age 41-88 (mean 60.4), PMI 7-75 (mean 29.2) days) the freezing technique was used before the autopsy. The cut brain was investigated, and the gray-white matter difference was evaluated macroscopically. Results: In the control group, the brain parenchyma leaked out like sludge in 5, and there was difficulty maintaining its structure in 7. The gray-white matter difference was well visible in 3, but hard to distinguish in 3, and the total scores ranged from 0 to 9 (mean 4.4) points. In the freezing group, the entire putrefied brain was extracted as a solid organ, the gray-white matter differences were well visible, and the total scores were 6.7-9 (8.3) points. The gray-white matter difference was preserved in the freezing group (p < 0.05). Conclusion: The freezing procedures to evaluate the putrefied brain have been successfully applied, and it could be statistically more useful in putrefied brain investigation than the ordinary procedure. Postmortem CT can be useful to evaluate not only the degree of brain putrefaction, but also the degree of brain parenchyma freezing.

Purpose To evaluate the usefulness of freezing preparation for macroscopic investigation in advanced putrefied brain. Materials and methods After sealing in individual plastic bags, 10 pig heads were stored at 20°C for 5days allow postmortem change (putrefaction) to progress. After an observation period, they were divided into 2 groups to evaluate the usefulness of the freezing effect in macroscopic investigation. The process over the postmortem period and the freezing process were examined. Results At day-5, the presence of air density was detected between the inner surface of the cranium and the brain parenchyma. Intra-cranial air accumulation presented on CT in all heads. In the control group, the brain parenchyma leaked out from the hole in the meninges, and the gray-white matter difference was clear in 3/72 (4.2%), moderate in 7/72 (9.7%), ambiguous in 17/72 (23.6%), and poor in 45/72 (62.5%). In the freezing group, the brain parenchyma presented homogeneous low density after more than 14h freezing. On opening the cranium, the entire brains were frozen, and the gray-white matter difference was clear in 33/72 (46.0%), moderate in 17/72 (24.0%), ambiguous in 15/72 (21.0%), and poor in 7/72 (10.0%). The freezing group afforded greater clarity in the gray-white matter inspection (p Conclusion Freezing preparation was useful for the macroscopic investigation of putrefied brain compared with the ordinary autopsy.

A 13-year-old girl was admitted to the hospital because of cardiomegaly found incidentally at regular medical checkup at her school. Although dilated cardiomyopathy was suspected, the girl showed no symptoms. chest x-ray film showed cardiomegaly (cardiothoracic ratio, 67%), and echocardiogram demonstrated a dilatation of the left ventricle without thinning of the wall. While contraction was diffusely decreased, estimated cardiac output was increased to 13l/minute. Abdominal ultrasonography conducted to clarify the cause of this high output showed a multicystic lesion (8×6×4 cm) at the back of the left common iliac artery. Color Doppler ultrasonography revealed abundant blood flow within the lesion, establishing the diagnosis of arteriovenous malformation. Aortography delineated the arteriovenous malformation being supplied from the left internal iliac artery and from the left third and fourth lumbar arteries and drainage into the left common iliac vein and the right internal iliac vein. Although it did not show the precise location of the feeding and draining vessels, color Doppler ultrasonography was useful for the diagnosis of arteriovenous malformation.

Postmortem vascular changes were quantitatively analyzed in the aorta and vena cava and compared with antemortem findings as a basis for distinguishing between normal postmortem changes and pathological changes. Whole-body computed tomography (CT) was performed on 12 individuals before and after death. The scans, performed at seven levels (five for the aorta, two for the vena cava) within the vasculature, allowed various measurements to be made on the same individual before and after death. Postmortem long-axis diameter, short-axis diameter, and the square of the radius of the aorta were 79.2–85.0 % (mean 81.3 %), 55.6–80.0 % (68.0 %), and 48.5–71.4 % (60.8 %) of the antemortem measurements, respectively. The ante- and postmortem measurements of the long and short axes and the caliber of the aorta were statistically different (p

To evaluate for how long patients should be isolated after I-131 treatment for thyroid cancer according to the guidelines issued by the Japanese Ministry of Welfare.We reviewed 92 therapies performed in 76 patients who were administered I-131 at our hospital from July 2007 to September 2009. Fifty-six patients were given 2220 or 2960 MBq I-131 at the first therapy, and 29 patients underwent 36 repeated therapies using 2960, 3700, 5550 or 7400 MBq I-131. We surveyed radioactivity for a 1 cm dose equivalent rate at 1 m intervals at 30 and 48 h after administration of I-131, obtained planar scintigrams at 48 h, and surveyed radioactivity repeatedly until it fell to under 30 μSv/h.The radioactivity was under 30 μSv/h at 30 h in 51 out of 92 cases (55%). Among the remaining 41 (45%) cases, 27 (29%) and 32 (35%) cases showed decreased radioactivity under 30 μSv/h at 48 and 72 h, respectively, and it remained higher than 30 μSv/h at 72 h in another 9 cases (10%). In 5 (38%) of the 13 cases with bone metastasis, the radioactivity remained over 30 μSv/h after 72 h, and scintigrams showed strong accumulation in bone metastases. Among the 27 cases demonstrating below 30 μSv/h at 48 h, 26 showed radioactivity being below 50 μSv/h at 30 h, while it was above 50 μSv/h at 30 h in all 14 cases which demonstrated above 30 μSv/h at 48 h. We compared the radioactivity levels of 27 cases under 30 μSv/h at 48 h and 14 cases over 30 μSv/h at 48 h using a cutoff value of under 50 μSv/h at 30 h to release patient at 48 h, the positive predictive value and negative predictive value were 100 and 93%, respectively, and radioactivity was found to differ significantly (P0.001).To predict external radiation levels at 48 h, it is helpful to consider external radiation levels at 30 h after treatment. Consideration of intracellular uptake in thyroid cancer, especially in cases of bone metastases, digestive tract function, and renal function, is important for predicting isolated period.

The purpose of this study was to assess the control of nidus blood flow and the association between such control and clinical outcomes after ethanolamine oleate (EO) sclerotherapy for vascular malformations. Morphological grades on magnetic resonance (MR) images (grades 1–3), preprocedure nidus blood flow control, and clinical results in 22 cases of vascular malformation were reviewed. Cases were subdivided by MR morphological grade as follows: grade 1, 3 patients; grade 2A, 6 patients; grade 3, 13 patients. Responses to EO sclerotherapy were as follows: excellent, 3 patients; good, 5 patients; poor, 14 patients. An excellent response was achieved in one grade 1 case, one grade 2A case, and one grade 3 case. Preprocedure nidus flow was controlled in 8 lesions (type A) and not controlled in 14 lesions (type B). Three (37.5%) type A lesions had an excellent response, five had a good response; and none had a poor response. All type B lesions had a poor response. Flow control predicted an excellent result (P < 0.05). Preprocedure nidus blood flow control (versus lack of control) is associated with a significantly higher incidence of favorable clinical responses to EO sclerotherapy for vascular malformations.

Purpose: We evaluated the efficacy of magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) for detecting the artery of Adamkiewicz (AKA) and the vertebral level of its feeding arteries branching from the aorta. Materials and Methods: Eighty-two patients (67 men, 15 women; aged 34 to 86 years, mean age 68.6 years) with thoracic descending and thoracoabdominal aortic lesions (aneurysm in 55, dissection in 25, coarctation in 2) underwent MRA to detect AKA. MRA was performed using 6-phase, dynamic-enhanced, 3-dimensional, fast spoiled gradient recalled acquisition in steady state (GRASS) on a 1.5-tesla (T) system, with double-dose bolus contrast injection. The vertebral levels of AKA branching and the AKA feeder artery branching from the aorta were determined. Results: The AKA was detected in 67 patients (81.7%). Branching of AKA occurred at levels T7 to T12 on the left side (n=52) and on the right (n=15). Vascular continuity from the aorta to the anterior spinal artery was demonstrated in 55 patients (67.1%). Comparing the vertebral level of arterial branching from the aorta to that of the AKA at the intervertebral foramen, the AKA branched at the same vertebral level in 44 patients (80.0%), one vertebral level above/below in 10 (18.2%), and 2 vertebral levels above in one (1.8%). Conclusion: MRA can be useful in the preoperative work-up of patients with thoracoabdominal aortic lesions to localize AKA and the segmental trajectories of vessels supplying blood to the AKA.

Peripheral vascular malformations are now described according to some accepted guidelines, and the principle of proper treatment (nodus ablation) is becoming clear. An appropriate classification schema for vascular anomalies and definite indications for treatment are important to successful treatment overall. Non-invasive imaging (US, CT, and MRI) in association with clinical findings is critical in establishing the diagnosis, evaluating the extent of the malformation, and planning appropriate treatment. Direct nidus phlebography is useful not only in making a correct diagnosis but also in treating the lesion by sclerotherapy. When a patient suffers clinical complications, the nidus sclerotherapy becomes mandatory. If the vascular malformation remains bloodstream to a drainage vein during nidus opacification, flow control is necessary to achieve complete nidus ablation. A multidisciplinary approach is needed in the treatment of a high-flow lesion. A dedicated team approach is necessary for appropriate management in most cases. .

The stent-graft is a device constructed from a stent and vascular graft and is inserted by means of an interventional procedure under imaging guidance. In 1986, Balko et al.1 reported the first stentgraft experiment, in which a Z stent covered with polyurethane was inserted into an animal aorta. In the early 1990s, Parodi et al.2 reported clinical introduction of the stent-graft for abdominal aortic aneurysm. In comparison to the abdominal aortic stent-graft, the thoracic stent-graft has several disadvantages, including difficulties associated with the aortic arch curvature and the relatively large caliber of the stent-graft, and the risk of central nervous system or spinal complication. However, the thoracic stentgraft is advantageous because of minimal procedural invasiveness in comparison to surgical graft replacement. In 1994, Dake et al.3 reported transluminal placement of an endovascular stent-graft for thoracic aortic aneurysm, and Kato et al.4 reported use of a stent-graft for aortic dissection and suggested that the stent-graft could be considered an alternative to surgical treatment.

Thiosulfate measurement is crucial to diagnosis of hydrogen sulfide (H2S) poisoning in forensic toxicology. Although GC-MS method is currently regarded as a standard thiosulfate measurement, it requires complicated sample preparation prior to analysis. This study presents a simple, rapid, and highly sensitive method for the quantitative analysis of serum thiosulfate by using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). This method is based on selected reaction monitoring and has high sensitivity with a lower quantification limit of 0.5μM. Precision and accuracy of this method meet the basic requirements for quantitative analysis (intra- and inter-day tests have a relative standard deviation of ⩽10.4%; range of analytical recovery is 94.3-102.6%). On the measurements of serum thiosulfate by our developed method, a thiosulfate concentration as 57.5μM was detected clearly in the H2S poisoning case comparing to the non poisoning case in which only a trace amount of thiosulfate was observed.

Two 60-year-old males were found at their homes whose bodies had deteriorated due to putrefaction. To prevent worm invasion and minimize deterioration, dry ice was used prior to the autopsy investigation. Prior to autopsy, postmortem CT demonstrated a decreased density in brain parenchyma at the dry-iced side, and autopsy revealed deteriorated brain parenchyma with frozen effect (presented like sherbet). Moreover, the deteriorated cerebral parenchyma maintained their structure and they were evaluated by cutting. When lower CT density presents in postmortem CT, the freezing effect may need to be considered and the physician should evaluate the cadaver's postmortem condition to prevent misdiagnoses.

Purpose Experimental drowning models were prepared to investigate the time-related course of lung changes using postmortem CT. This study was approved by our institutional animal ethics committee. Materials and methods Fifteen NZW rabbits (female fifteen, 2.6–4.3 (mean 3.3)kg) were divided into 3 groups: fresh water drowning (FRESH), sea water drowning (SEA), and sea water drowning with anterior chest compression (ACC). All individuals were examined by CT (Aquilion CX, Toshiba, Japan) on postmortem time course. The rabbit's head was submerged in a water bath for a total of 10min. In ACC, cardiopulmonary resuscitation was performed for 2min, additionally. The percentage of aerated lung volumes (%ALV=100 (aerated lung volume/total lung volume)) were statistically evaluated and the lung CT image patterns and pleural fluid appearance time were investigated. Results All lungs had decreased their %ALV within 24h, and there were no statistical differences in and among the 3 groups. After 36h, %ALV tended to increase in all groups, and only ACC presented a statistical difference between 1h and 36h ( p On postmortem lung CT, all lungs presented ground-glass opacity with interstitial thickening spread pattern (100%) and no pattern change during the follow-up period. After presenting pleural space fluid collection, the %ALV tended to increase. Conclusion There were no differences among FRESH, SEA, and ACC in %ALV within 24h. Only ground-glass opacity could be detected on postmortem lung CT, experimentally.

Postmortem CT (PMCT) is increasingly used in forensic practice, and knowledge and classification of typical hemopericardium on PMCT would help to assure correct radiological interpretation. The goal of this study was to evaluate the pericardial and pleural space fluid volumetry, and to evaluate the signs on PMCT pointing to cardiac tamponade as the cause of death, and their pitfalls. Fourteen cadavers (eleven male, three female, 49-87 [mean, 70.9] years) were examined by PMCT. The pericardial volume and pericardial findings with/without pleural space fluid collection were compared with autopsy findings. In addition, the appearance of pericardial lesions on PMCT was documented and compared with the autopsy findings. The respective volumes of pericardial space, and right and left pleural space fluid showed as 172.0-711.0 (mean 368.7) ml, 0-1830.0 (266.1) ml, 0-231.0 (75.2) ml on PMCT, and were 136.0-652.0 (311.1) ml, 0-2100 (299.0) ml, and 0-300.0 (61.3) ml on autopsy. In statistical evaluation, the pericardial space volume was significantly greater on PMCT (p

To plan stent-grafting for thoracic aortic aneurysm with complicated morphology, we created a virtual stent-grafting program [Semi Automatic Virtual Stent (SAVS) designer] using three-dimensional CT data. The usefulness of the SAVS designer was evaluated by measurement of transformed anatomical and straight stents. Curved model images (source, multi-planer reconstruction and volume rendering) were created, and a hollow virtual stent was produced by the SAVS designer. A straight Nitinol stent was transformed to match the curved configuration of the virtual stent. The accuracy of the anatomical stent was evaluated by experimental strain phantom studies in comparison with the straight stent. Mean separation length was 0 mm in the anatomical stent [22 mm outer diameter (OD)] and 5 mm in the straight stent (22 mm OD). The straight stent strain voltage was four times that of the anatomical stent at the stent end. The anatomical stent is useful because it fits the curved structure of the aorta and reduces the strain force compared to the straight stent. The SAVS designer can help to design and produce the anatomical stent.

We have developed a technique of CT-guided needle placement in the destructed human body in forensic practice. A sixty-year-old male was found in a burned car and he was also destructed severely. Although blood was needed for the external examination, it was difficult to approach the vessels because of the severely burned condition of the cadaver. Thus, we attempted to obtain a blood sample from a vessel using a CT-guided technique. Postmortem CT demonstrated the presence of blood-containing vessels in the pelvis. Indeed, CT-guided needle placement had no difficulty with surface markers, table location, or depth measurement from the surface. CT-guide needle placement is a feasible and reliable technique, so that when the tissue/blood sample is at risk of being spoiled, CT-guided needle placement could be a substitute for conventional sampling techniques.

Post-traumatic high flow priapism is a rare disease. A review of English published reports revealed 63 cases. Enhanced computed tomography (CT) of the penis has not previously been used as a diagnostic method for post-traumatic high flow priapism. We present a case of post-traumatic high flow priapism diagnosed with enhanced CT of the penis. Additionally, diagnostic modalities for post-traumatic high flow priapism are discussed with review of published work.

We report a fetus with a giant neck hemangioma which was examined by MRI in utero. The initial diagnosis was made by ultrasonography. The sonolucent aspect of the mass, together with the presence of pulsating Doppler flow signals, was highly suggestive of a fetal hemangioma. In late pregnancy, fetal MRI revealed the location, size and characteristics of the neck tumor. Following prenatal corticosteroid treatment and premature delivery of the pregnancy due to fetal cardiac failure, the newborn received angiography and coil embolization of the tumor vessels. Despite vigorous treatments, the newborn died 12 h after birth. Evaluation of a fetal neck hemangioma by MRI is recommended late in pregnancy for precise information on the tumor and adjacent organs since the image is valuable for planning optimal perinatal treatment.

To evaluate the indication and advantages of venous sac embolization of pulmonary arteriovenous malformations (PAVMs) using interlocking detachable coils (IDCs).We performed percutaneous embolization in 12 PAVMs in four patients using IDCs, initially placed in the venous sac or at the feeding artery to prevent systemic migration of additional coils. We placed the IDCs in the venous sac in PAVMs with the following vascular architecture: the draining vein was larger than the feeding arteries and both vessels were interposed with the venous sac or there were short feeding arteries.Complete occlusion was achieved in all 12 PAVMs without significant complications. We deployed IDCs in the venous sac in eight PAVMs and in the feeding artery in four.Venous sac embolization may be beneficial in PAVMs with large out-flow vessels or short feeding arteries. IDCs are suitable for this procedure.