U.S. flag
      An official website of the United States government, Department of Justice.
        Here's how you know
      Here's how you know**Official websites use .gov**
            
            A **.gov** website belongs to an official government organization in the United States.
      **Secure .gov websites use HTTPS**
            
            A **lock** (
            A locked padlock
            ) or **https://** means you’ve safely connected to the .gov website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites. Menu

      
        close

            
            
                                              About NIJ
        
                    
  
          About NIJ
      
    
          The NIJ Director
          How NIJ Is Organized
          Mission and Guiding Principles
          Research and Development Process
          Strategic Framework
          Assessments of NIJ
          Annual Reports & Reports to Congress
          Staff Directory
          Funding & Awards
        
                    
  
          Funding & Awards
      
    
          Current Funding
          Forthcoming Funding
          Expired Funding
          Awards: Listing of Funded Projects
          Guidance for Applicants and Awardees
          Fellowship & Student Programs
          Travel Scholarships
          NIJ Challenge Program
          Library & Multimedia
        
                    
  
          Library & Multimedia
      
    
          NIJ Journal
          Podcasts
          Publications Listing
          Multimedia Listing
          Rated Practices on CrimeSolutions
          Rated Programs on CrimeSolutions
          Software & Databases
          Datasets
          Patents
          Topics
        
                    
  
          Topics
      
    
          Article Listing
          Corrections
          Courts
          Crime Prevention
          Crimes
          Drugs and Crime
          Equipment and Technology
          Forensic Sciences
          Youth Justice
          Justice System Reform
          Law Enforcement
          Tribal Crime and Justice
          Victims of Crime
          Events
        
                    
  
          Events
      
    
          NIJ 2024 Research Conference
          Scheduled Events
          On-Demand Events
          Research Meetings & Workshops
          NIJ-Hosted Online Training

                            
                                About
          Contact Us
          Subscribe
          Topics A-Z
                  Share
FacebookXLinkedInRedditPinterestEmail Home
                            Library & Multimedia
 Utility of Postmortem X-ray Computed Tomography (CT) in Supplanting or Supplementing Medicolegal Autopsies
NCJ Number
              249949

Author(s)
          Kurt B. Nolte;
                        Sarah L. Lathrop
Date Published

August 2015
Length
              98 pages
Annotation
              This study tested hypotheses regarding the use of postmortem X-ray computed tomography (CT) scans for the following types of cases: blunt force injuries, childhood traumatic fatalities, firearm injuries, and potential drug poisoning deaths.
Abstract
              For blunt force injuries, the study is examining whether a postmortem CT scan can supplant autopsy in recognizing fatal blunt force injuries and identifying the cause of death. If not, does postmortem CT recognize sufficient injuries not recognized by autopsy to justify its use as a supplementary procedure. Case enrollment (n= 167) for this study segment has been completed. For childhood traumatic fatalities, the study is determining whether the combination of autopsy and CT scan will expand the injuries identified by autopsy alone. The case enrollment (n=58) for this type of fatality is complete. For firearm injuries, the study will determine whether a postmortem CT scan can supplant autopsy in recognizing fatal gunshot wound tracks and trajectory; and if not, whether postmortem CT can recognize sufficient gunshot injuries not recognized by autopsy, so as to justify supplementary CT scans. The case enrollment (n=205) has been completed for this project component. The fourth segment of the project will determine whether in potential cases of drug poisoning, the combination of external body examination, postmortem CT scan, and toxicological evaluation will identify underlying natural disease and traumatic injuries not recognized from autopsy and toxicological evaluation without CT scan. Case enrollment (n=460) has been completed for this segment of the study. Currently, all cases in all four cohorts have received CT scans and autopsies. No products are ready for this final semi-annual progress report.
      
  
          Additional Details
Grant Number(s)
        2010-DN-BX-K205


  
  
        
  Agencies
        NIJ-Sponsored


  
  
        
  Publication Type
        Research (Applied/Empirical)
                                Report (Study/Research)
                                Report (Grant Sponsored)


  
  
        
  Award
        Utility of Postmortem X-ray Computed Tomography (CT) in Supplanting or Supplementing Medicolegal Autopsies
    
  
  
Date Published: August 1, 2015
    
          Downloads
        
                      PDF

Side navigation
  

        

  
  
              NIJ Journal
    
      
            
            
            
      Podcasts
    
      
            
            
            
      Publications Listing
    
      
            
            
            
      Multimedia Listing
    
      
            
            
            
      Rated Practices on CrimeSolutions
    
      
            
            
            
      Rated Programs on CrimeSolutions
    
      
            
            
            
      Software & Databases
    
      
            
            
            
      Datasets
    
      
            
            
            
      PatentsRelated Topics
        
                Blunt force trauma injuries
        Child fatalities
        Comparative Analysis
        Computed tomography (CT)
        Medicolegal death investigations



  
Similar Publications
        
                      Notes from the Field: Cluster of Severe Illness from Neptune’s Fix Tianeptine Linked to Synthetic Cannabinoids — New Jersey, June–November 2023
                  Chromatographic and mass spectral studies on methoxymethcathinones related to 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine
                  Enhancing Foundational Validity of Forensic Findings in Medico-Legal Strangulation Examinations
 Top

      National Institute of Justice

        
        
                        About NIJ
                    About NIJ
      
    
                  How NIJ Is Organized
      
    
                  NIJ Director
      
    
                  Research Disclaimer
      
    
                  Funding & Awards
                    Funding & Awards Home
      
    
                  Awards Listing
      
    
                  Current Funding
      
    
                  Guidance for Applicants and Awardees
      
    
                  Resources
                    Events
      
    
                  Podcasts
      
    
                  Publications
      
    
                  Topics
      
    
                  Multimedia
      
    
                  Reuse Policy
      
    
                  Contacts
                    Contact NIJ
      
    
                  Staff Directory
      
    
                  Submit a FOIA Request
      
    
                  File a Civil Rights ComplaintFacebook
          
                      X
          
                      YouTube
  

      810 7th St. NW, Washington, D.C. 20531
      
              Secondary Footer link menu
            Accessibility
              Plain Language
              Privacy Policy
              Legal Policies and Disclaimer
              No FEAR Act
              Freedom of Information Act
              USA.gov
              Justice.gov