Using histology to evaluate micro-CT findings of trauma in three post-mortem samples — First steps towards method validation

•Micro-CT scans from forensic post-mortem samples were compared with histology.•Micro-CT was found to be a good method for fracture detection.•Micro-CT can assist and compliment the histology process.•This study forms a validation study as required by the Forensic Science Regulator. Forensic imaging...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Forensic science international 2019-04, Vol.297, p.27-34
Main Authors: Baier, Waltraud, Mangham, Chas, Warnett, Jason M., Payne, Mark, Painter, Michelle, Williams, Mark A.
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Autopsy
Child abuse & neglect
Computed tomography
Crime
Forensic science
Forensic sciences
Fracture analysis
Fractures
Histology
Injuries
Judicial system
Larynx
Medical imaging
Methods
Micro-CT
NMR
Nuclear magnetic resonance
Radiology
Researchers
Sample size
Software
Thyroid gland
Trauma
Validation
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Summary:•Micro-CT scans from forensic post-mortem samples were compared with histology.•Micro-CT was found to be a good method for fracture detection.•Micro-CT can assist and compliment the histology process.•This study forms a validation study as required by the Forensic Science Regulator. Forensic imaging technology has rapidly advanced over the past several decades and is gaining increasing significance in medico-legal death investigations. Medical-grade computed tomography (CT) is now routinely used in post-mortem examinations at numerous institutions across the globe. However, the resolution of medical-grade CT is limited and unsuitable when used to depict some smaller anatomical structures or micro-trauma. High-resolution micro-CT offers up to 100× the resolution to overcome this problem but is a very recent addition to the field of forensic radiology. Few studies so far have attempted to validate the results which is an essential prerequisite for it to be used in the criminal justice process as demanded by regulatory bodies. This study directly compares micro-CT images with histology, the current gold standard. Three cases were examined: two larynges from suspected strangulations and one ribcage of a case of fatal child abuse. A strong correlation was observed between histology and micro-CT as the majority of skeletal injuries were identified correctly. This paper discusses the forensic implications of the results and how micro-CT is complementary to histology.
ISSN:0379-0738
1872-6283
DOI:10.1016/j.forsciint.2019.01.027