Objectives
The work serves as a preliminary evaluation of the utility of the full-body radiography in examining cases of SUDI.
Setting
This paper reviews findings from full-body digital radiography in cases of sudden unexpected death in infants (SUDI) in 2008 at the Salt River Forensic Pathology Laboratory in Cape Town.
Subjects
Cases of SUDI referred to the mortuary and undergoing full-body digital radiography were reviewed (192 cases).
Design
Imaging reports were cross-referenced with death registry data. Manner of death, cause of death, whether an autopsy had taken place, and radiological findings, were recorded and analysed.
Results
The absence of bony fractures was recorded as an imaging finding in 40% of cases. The most common type of imaging pathology was lung disease. In cases where autopsies were performed and pathology was found on imaging, the findings of the two methods of examination were consistent.
Conclusions
Imaging may have served to assist CoD determination based on case history, and therefore full-body radiography may improve the workflow in busy forensic pathology laboratories.
More detailed and consistent recording of imaging findings is required before stronger conclusions may be drawn regarding the utility of full body digital imaging of paediatric cases in forensic pathology laboratories.
G180(P) Sudden unexpected death in infancy and childhood – simulation training to improve confidence and understanding of the sudic investigation
