Chapter 29: Forensic Radiology

X ray

X ray

A(n) ________ of the cervical spine in situ both antero- posterior and lateral may reveal a number of the transverse process of the atlas vertebrae which may be responsible for vertebral artery injury, which passes through it.

radiograph

In case of a shotgun fire, a(n) ________ can helps in locating the projectiles.

air accumulation

Abnormal ________ in the abdomen indicates a visceral injury.

Forensic radiology

It is an area of expertise in medical imaging utilizing radiological techniques to aid physicians, pathologists, and medicolegal experts in the matters associated with the law.

CT scans

________ and MRI of the cerebral parenchyma revealed lanes of opaque bone and missile fragments along the course of the missile, which allowed recognition of the missile track in 3D reconstruction.

Radiologic data

These are specialized in character, and so they require the skilled interpretation of a radiologist while giving evidence.

Orthophantomogram (OPG)

An ideal evidence in determining age depending on tooth eruption.

Multi-slice computed tomography (MSCT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)

Technologies used for the documentation and analysis of gunshot wounds.

CT scans and MRI

_____ of the cerebral parenchyma revealed lanes of opaque bone and missile fragments along the course of the missile, which allowed recognition of the missile track in 3D reconstruction.

Radiologic visualization

_____ is sometimes helpful. Small precious objects as pearls, diamonds and gold may be swallowed in an effort to smuggle them. Radiologic exploration might locate them.

Radiologic evaluation

______ may be useful in detection and confirmation of smuggling narcotics, which may be enclosed in plastic containers and swallowed.

Radiographic techniques

____ can assist the pathologist in determining the potential cause of death and may alert them to a previously unsuspected suspicious death.

Radiographic techniques

______ can assist the pathologist in determining the potential cause of death and may alert them to a previously unsuspected suspicious death.

Radiographic imaging

_____ is an integral part of the medical process and provides a permanent record of the patient’s condition.

Legal matters

• Following injury or assault, radiological imaging is commonly obtained by medical practitioners.

• Expert interpretation of these images may provide useful evidence in criminal and civil jurisdictions.

Child abuse

• Radiological techniques are mandatory in providing evidence of both acute and chronic injury.

• Some of the findings are very specific for abuse and crucial for conviction of culprits.

Drug trafficking

• Increasingly sophisticated methods are used by drug traffickers to avoid detection.

• This includes the deliberate ingestion or cavity insertion of drugs wrapped in protective materials. These packets are readily identified on CT scans and can assist law enforcement agencies in screening suspected individuals.

Body identification

• Along with dental and DNA analysis, radiographic images be used in the identification of unknown victims.

• This requires the securing of premortem examinations.

Disease identification

• During the course of an autopsy there may be findings that can have the consequence of the deceased family.

• In order to confirm such a pathological suspicion, radiographic procedures can provide confirmatory evidence and as such lead to the deceased’s family being offered genetic screening.

Donor bank analysis

• All body parts donated for use as grafts, in particular bone, must be carefully screened prior to use in order to avoid the insertion of “diseased” material into a recipient.

• This can be accurately performed “non-destructively” utilizing radiographic techniques.