Post-mortem analysis of gunshot wounds to the head and thorax in dogs by computed tomography, radiography and forensic necropsy

2020 ◽  
pp. 002580242097117
Author(s):  
Małgorzata Grela ◽  
Kinga Panasiuk-Flak ◽  
Piotr Listos ◽  
Magdalena Gryzińska ◽  
Grzegorz Buszewicz ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Computed Tomography ◽  
Foreign Bodies ◽  
Imaging Techniques ◽  
Gunshot Wounds ◽  
Bone Lesions ◽  
X Rays ◽  
Post Mortem ◽  
Additional Information ◽  
Different Types ◽  
Post Traumatic

In view of the scarcity of literature data on the use of radiological imaging techniques in forensic veterinary medicine, while at the same time the number of reported crimes against animals involving the use of firearms is rising, this paper attempts to assess the usefulness of radiography and computed tomography (CT) in the post-mortem diagnosis of gunshot wounds (GSW) in comparison to classic necropsy. The design of the experiment was as follows: preparation of the research material (13 dog carcasses), shooting of the material from different distances (1.5 and 12 m, plus one contact shot to the head) and using different types of ammunition, followed by X-rays and CT scans in each case to examine the injuries resulting from the shot. The final steps of the experiment were photographic documentation and autopsy by the Virchow method. In the examined material, post-traumatic bone lesions and the presence of metallic foreign bodies were successfully imaged by both radiography and CT. GSW analysis using CT provided much better data quality and some additional information. Two general conclusions can be drawn from the results of the experiment. First, damage caused by gunshots is correlated with the calibre, initial velocity and kinetic energy of the projectile, as well as the distance from the muzzle of the gun to the object shot. Second, radiological examination is useful in preparing forensic veterinary opinions. Used as a complement to classic necropsy, they increase the possibility of an accurate post-mortem diagnosis of shooting victims.

Selected issues related to the use of firearms for unlawful killing of animals

2018 ◽  
Vol 301 ◽  
pp. 53-59
Author(s):  
Daniel Markiewicz ◽  
◽  
Bartłomiej J. Bartyzel ◽  
Michał Borusiński ◽  
Grzegorz Bogiel ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Law Enforcement ◽  
Imaging Techniques ◽  
Gunshot Wounds ◽  
Legal Regulation ◽  
Post Mortem ◽  
Large Mammals ◽  
Law Enforcement Agencies ◽  
Scientific Institutions ◽  
Starting Point ◽  
Penal Sanctions

The issue of post-mortem examination of animals, whose death occurred as a result of suffered gunshot wounds, is very rarely discussed in literature, most often on the occasion of researching into and describing other problems. This article presents an attempt to bring together the achievements of veterinary forensics in this area. As a starting point, the current legal regulation was adopted, pointing to penal sanctions resulting from the illegal use of weapons in relation to animals. Subsequently, the possibilities of using modern imaging techniques in post-mortem examinations carried out by veterinarians at the request of law enforcement agencies were presented. The scientific reports discussed herein have been supplemented by examples of sectional examinations carried out at the request of law enforcement agencies in Polish scientific institutions. The article indicates that the results of examination of gunshot wounds suffered by people in various circumstances may be used for the purpose of issuing forensic veterinary opinions, just as the results of examination of gunshot wounds of large mammals may be helpful in examining the effects of gunshot injuries in humans.

scholarly journals Truncated Inception Net: COVID-19 Outbreak Screening using Chest X-rays

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Dipayan Das ◽  
KC Santosh ◽  
Umapada Pal
Keyword(s):  
Neural Network ◽  
World Wide ◽  
Imaging Techniques ◽  
Imaging Systems ◽  
Ct Scans ◽  
X Rays ◽  
X Ray ◽  
X Ray Imaging ◽  
Proposed Model ◽  
Different Types

Abstract Since December 2019, the Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) pandemic has caused world-wide turmoil in less than a couple of months, and the infection, caused by SARS-CoV-2, is spreading at an unprecedented rate. AI-driven tools are used to identify Coronavirus outbreaks as well as forecast their nature of spread, where imaging techniques are widely used, such as CT scans and chest X-rays (CXRs). In this paper, motivated by the fact that X-ray imaging systems are more prevalent and cheaper than CT scan systems, a deep learning-based Convolutional Neural Network (CNN) model, which we call Truncated Inception Net, is proposed to screen COVID-19 positive CXRs from other non-COVID and/or healthy cases. To validate our proposal, six different types of datasets were employed by taking the following CXRs: COVID-19 positive, Pneumonia positive, Tuberculosis positive, and healthy cases into account. The proposed model achieved an accuracy of 99.96% (AUC of 1.0) in classifying COVID- 19 positive cases from combined Pneumonia and healthy cases. Similarly, it achieved an accuracy of 99.92% (AUC of 0.99) in classifying COVID-19 positive cases from combined Pneumonia, Tuberculosis and healthy CXRs. To the best of our knowledge, as of now, the achieved results outperform the existing AI-driven tools for screening COVID-19 using CXRs.

scholarly journals Added value of post-mortem computed tomography (PMCT) to clinical findings for cause of death determination in adult “natural deaths”

2019 ◽  
Vol 134 (4) ◽  
pp. 1457-1463
Author(s):  
M. E. M. Vester ◽  
R. R. van Rijn ◽  
W. L. J. M. Duijst ◽  
L. F. M. Beenen ◽  
M. Clerkx ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Computed Tomography ◽  
Cause Of Death ◽  
Medical Records ◽  
Clinical Findings ◽  
Added Value ◽  
Post Mortem ◽  
Additional Information ◽  
Organ Failures ◽  
Total Body ◽  
Underlying Diseases

Abstract Purpose The aim of this study was to investigate whether post-mortem computed tomography (PMCT) provides additional information regarding the cause of death and underlying diseases in a general practitioners’ (GP), out-of-hospital population. Methods and materials Bodies donated to our anatomy department between January 2014 and January 2018, who consecutively underwent a total body PMCT and had given permission for retrieval of their medical records during life, were included. PMCT scans were assessed by a radiologist and compared with the cause of death as stated in the medical records. Discrepancies were analyzed with an adjusted Goldman classification. Results Ninety-three out of the 274 scanned donors during the inclusion period had given consent for the retrieval of their medical records, of which 79 GP’s responded to the request thereof (31 men, 48 women, average age 72.8 years, range 36–99). PMCT identified 49 (62%) cases of cancer, 10 (12.7%) cardiovascular diseases, 8 (10.1%) severe organ failures, 5 (6.3%) cases with signs of pneumonia, 2 (2.5%) other causes, and 7 (8.9%) cases without an (underlying) definitive cause of death. Eleven major discrepancies on the Goldman classification scale, with possible relevance to survival between PMCT and GP records, were identified. Conclusion PMCT can have added value for the detection of additional findings regarding the cause of death in an out-of-hospital, GP’s population, especially to identify or exclude major (previously non-diagnosed) underlying diseases.

scholarly journals Optimization of the energy for Breast monochromatic absorption X-ray Computed Tomography

2019 ◽  
Vol 9 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Pasquale Delogu ◽  
Vittorio Di Trapani ◽  
Luca Brombal ◽  
Giovanni Mettivier ◽  
Angelo Taibi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Computed Tomography ◽  
Imaging Techniques ◽  
Fixed Dose ◽  
X Rays ◽  
Reconstruction Algorithms ◽  
Contrast Resolution ◽  
X Ray ◽  
X Ray Imaging ◽  
X Ray Computed ◽  
Dose Levels

Abstract The limits of mammography have led to an increasing interest on possible alternatives such as the breast Computed Tomography (bCT). The common goal of all X-ray imaging techniques is to achieve the optimal contrast resolution, measured through the Contrast to Noise Ratio (CNR), while minimizing the radiological risks, quantified by the dose. Both dose and CNR depend on the energy and the intensity of the X-rays employed for the specific imaging technique. Some attempts to determine an optimal energy for bCT have suggested the range 22 keV–34 keV, some others instead suggested the range 50 keV–60 keV depending on the parameters considered in the study. Recent experimental works, based on the use of monochromatic radiation and breast specimens, show that energies around 32 keV give better image quality respect to setups based on higher energies. In this paper we report a systematic study aiming at defining the range of energies that maximizes the CNR at fixed dose in bCT. The study evaluates several compositions and diameters of the breast and includes various reconstruction algorithms as well as different dose levels. The results show that a good compromise between CNR and dose is obtained using energies around 28 keV.

Post-mortem computed tomography: Technical principles and recommended parameter settings for high-resolution imaging

2018 ◽  
Vol 58 (1) ◽  
pp. 70-82 ◽  
Author(s):  
Dominic Gascho ◽  
Michael J. Thali ◽  
Tilo Niemann
Keyword(s):  
Computed Tomography ◽  
Image Quality ◽  
Imaging Techniques ◽  
Standard Procedure ◽  
Image Data ◽  
Post Mortem ◽  
Raw Data ◽  
Resolution Imaging ◽  
Technical Principles ◽  
Dose Imaging

Post-mortem computed tomography (PMCT) has become a standard procedure in many forensic institutes worldwide. However, the standard scan protocols offered by vendors are optimised for clinical radiology and its main considerations regarding computed tomography (CT), namely, radiation exposure and motion artefacts. Thus, these protocols aim at low-dose imaging and fast imaging techniques. However, these considerations are negligible in post-mortem imaging, which allows for significantly increased image quality. Therefore, the parameters have to be adjusted to achieve the best image quality. Several parameters affect the image quality differently and have to be weighed against each other to achieve the best image quality for different diagnostic interests. There are two main groups of parameters that are adjustable by the user: acquisition parameters and reconstruction parameters. Acquisition parameters have to be selected prior to scanning and affect the raw data composition. In contrast, reconstruction parameters affect the calculation of the slice stacks from the raw data. This article describes the CT principles from acquiring image data to post-processing and provides an overview of the significant parameters for increasing the image quality in PMCT. Based on the CT principles, the effects of these parameters on the contrast, noise, resolution and frequently occurring artefacts are described. This article provides a guide for the performance of PMCT in morgues, clinical facilities or private practices.

scholarly journals K-edge Subtraction Computed Tomography with a Compact Synchrotron X-ray Source

2019 ◽  
Vol 9 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Stephanie Kulpe ◽  
Martin Dierolf ◽  
Benedikt Günther ◽  
Madleen Busse ◽  
Klaus Achterhold ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Computed Tomography ◽  
Contrast Agent ◽  
Imaging Techniques ◽  
X Rays ◽  
Synchrotron Source ◽  
X Ray ◽  
Inverse Compton Scattering ◽  
Inverse Compton ◽  
X Ray Computed ◽  
Compact Light Source

Abstract In clinical diagnosis, X-ray computed tomography (CT) is one of the most important imaging techniques. Yet, this method lacks the ability to differentiate similarly absorbing substances like commonly used iodine contrast agent and calcium which is typically seen in calcifications, kidney stones and bones. K-edge subtraction (KES) imaging can help distinguish these materials by subtracting two CT scans recorded at different X-ray energies. So far, this method mostly relies on monochromatic X-rays produced at large synchrotron facilities. Here, we present the first proof-of-principle experiment of a filter-based KES CT method performed at a compact synchrotron X-ray source based on inverse-Compton scattering, the Munich Compact Light Source (MuCLS). It is shown that iodine contrast agent and calcium can be clearly separated to provide CT volumes only showing one of the two materials. These results demonstrate that KES CT at a compact synchrotron source can become an important tool in pre-clinical research.

scholarly journals Computed tomography in traumatic orbital emergencies: a pictorial essay—imaging findings, tips, and report flowchart

2022 ◽  
Vol 13 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Michaela Cellina ◽  
Maurizio Cè ◽  
Sara Marziali ◽  
Giovanni Irmici ◽  
Daniele Gibelli ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Computed Tomography ◽  
Foreign Bodies ◽  
Imaging Modality ◽  
Standard Technique ◽  
Trauma Patients ◽  
Ocular Motility ◽  
Detailed Evaluation ◽  
Pictorial Essay ◽  
Post Traumatic ◽  
Diagnostic Flowchart

AbstractComputed tomography (CT) is considered the gold standard technique for the assessment of trauma patients with suspected involvement of the eye and orbit. These traumas can result in dramatic consequences to visual function, ocular motility, and aesthetics. CT is a quick and widely available imaging modality, which provides a detailed evaluation of the orbital bony and soft tissue structures, an accurate assessment of the globes, and is used to guide the patients’ treatment planning. For a timely and accurate diagnosis, radiologists should be aware of fracture patterns and possible associated complications, ocular detachments and hemorrhages, and different appearances of intraorbital foreign bodies. This educational review aims to describe all post-traumatic orbital abnormalities that can be identified on CT, providing a list of tips and a diagnostic flowchart to help radiologists deal with this complex condition.

Virtopsy: Postmortem Imaging of Laryngeal Foreign Bodies

2009 ◽  
Vol 133 (5) ◽  
pp. 806-810 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lars Oesterhelweg ◽  
Stephan A. Bolliger ◽  
Michael J. Thali ◽  
Steffen Ross
Keyword(s):  
Magnetic Resonance Imaging ◽  
Computed Tomography ◽  
Foreign Body ◽  
Magnetic Resonance ◽  
Multislice Computed Tomography ◽  
Foreign Bodies ◽  
Imaging Techniques ◽  
Correct Diagnosis ◽  
Diagnostic Value ◽  
Resonance Imaging

Abstract Context.—Death from corpora aliena in the larynx is a well-known entity in forensic pathology. The correct diagnosis of this cause of death is difficult without an autopsy, and misdiagnoses by external examination alone are common. Objective.—To determine the postmortem usefulness of modern imaging techniques in the diagnosis of foreign bodies in the larynx, multislice computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging, and postmortem full-body computed tomography–angiography were performed. Design.—Three decedents with a suspected foreign body in the larynx underwent the 3 different imaging techniques before medicolegal autopsy. Results.—Multislice computed tomography has a high diagnostic value in the noninvasive localization of a foreign body and abnormalities in the larynx. The differentiation between neoplasm or soft foreign bodies (eg, food) is possible, but difficult, by unenhanced multislice computed tomography. By magnetic resonance imaging, the discrimination of the soft tissue structures and soft foreign bodies is much easier. In addition to the postmortem multislice computed tomography, the combination with postmortem angiography will increase the diagnostic value. Conclusions.—Postmortem, cross-sectional imaging methods are highly valuable procedures for the noninvasive detection of corpora aliena in the larynx.

scholarly journals Medical Imaging in the Diagnosis of Schistosomiasis: A Review

Pathogens ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (8) ◽  
pp. 1058
Author(s):  
Andrea Cimini ◽  
Maria Ricci ◽  
Paola Elda Gigliotti ◽  
Luca Pugliese ◽  
Agostino Chiaravalloti ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Computed Tomography ◽  
Diagnostic Imaging ◽  
Imaging Techniques ◽  
Laboratory Data ◽  
Daily Practice ◽  
Imaging Features ◽  
X Rays ◽  
Positron Emission ◽  
Diagnostic Imaging Techniques ◽  
Magnetic Resonance Imaging Mri

Schistosomiasis is one of the most important parasitic diseases and it is endemic in tropical and subtropical areas. Clinical and laboratory data are fundamental for the diagnosis of schistosomiasis, but diagnostic imaging techniques such as x-rays, ultrasound (US), computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT) may be helpful in the evaluation of disease severity and complications. In this context, the aim of this review is to explore the actual role of diagnostic imaging in the diagnosis of schistosomiasis, underlining advantages and drawbacks providing information about the utilization of diagnostic imaging techniques in this context. Furthermore, we aim to provide a useful guide regarding imaging features of schistosomiasis for radiology and nuclear medicine physicians of non-endemic countries: in fact, in the last years non-endemic countries have experienced important flows of migrants from endemic areas, therefore it is not uncommon to face cases of this disease in daily practice.

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