Superimposed Imaging of Knife and Stab Wound Relationships Through Pre-autopsy and Intra-autopsy Computed Tomography Integration: A Case Report

• Published in: Curēus (Palo Alto, CA) Vol. 16; no. 8; p. e66720
• Main Authors: Fukuda, Haruki, Tokue, Hiroyuki, Hayakawa, Akira, Kominato, Yoshihiko, Sano, Rie
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: United States Cureus Inc 12.08.2024; Cureus
• Subjects: Abdomen; Accuracy; Autopsies; Case reports; Coronary vessels; Emergency medical care; Forensic Medicine; Hemorrhage; Injuries; Laparotomy; Medical imaging; Ostomy; Radiology; Skin; Stabbings; Tomography; Trauma; Vertebrae; postmortem computed tomography; 3d reconstruction image; stab wound; autopsy; homicide; 3d reconstruction
• ISSN: 2168-8184; 2168-8184
• DOI: 10.7759/cureus.66720

Three-dimensional (3D) reconstruction images using postmortem computed tomography (PMCT) are increasingly used to convey complex information to non-medical professionals, such as police and jurors. This case report demonstrates the effective use of 3D reconstruction images by integrating pre-autopsy, intra-autopsy, and knife CT data to achieve precise visualization of the wound path and associated injuries. The case involved a man in his 40s who was stabbed multiple times and pronounced dead approximately two hours after receiving emergency treatment. Initial PMCT revealed an intraperitoneal hemorrhage; however, no injuries to the abdominal organs or aorta were identified. During the autopsy, a critical abdominal aortic injury was discovered, prompting a further CT scan; however, the aorta remained in situ. By utilizing pre-autopsy, intra-autopsy, and knife CT data, the spatial relationships between the stab wound in the right hypochondriac area, aortic injury, and knife were effectively visualized. This novel approach highlights the potential of intra-autopsy CT for precise forensic visualization, offering a strategy for improvements in the accuracy and clarity of forensic evidence presentation.