The Dead Continue to Teach the Living: Examining the Role of Computed Tomography and Magnetic Resonance Imaging in the Setting of Postmortem Examinations

Stawicki, S. Peter; Gracias, Vicente H.; Schrag, Sherwin P.; Martin, Niels D.; Dean, Anthony J.; Hoey, Brian A.

doi:10.1016/j.jsurg.2007.11.007

« Previous Next »Journal of Surgical Education
Volume 65, Issue 3 , Pages 200-205, May 2008

The Dead Continue to Teach the Living: Examining the Role of Computed Tomography and Magnetic Resonance Imaging in the Setting of Postmortem Examinations

S. Peter Stawicki, MD
- Department of Surgery, Division of Traumatology and Surgical Critical Care, University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
- OPUS 12 Foundation, Blue Bell, Pennsylvania
Vicente H. Gracias, MD
- Department of Surgery, Division of Traumatology and Surgical Critical Care, University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
- OPUS 12 Foundation, Blue Bell, Pennsylvania
Sherwin P. Schrag, MD
- Department of Surgery, Division of Trauma, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, Tennessee
- OPUS 12 Foundation, Blue Bell, Pennsylvania
Niels D. Martin, MD
- Department of Surgery, Division of Traumatology and Surgical Critical Care, University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
- OPUS 12 Foundation, Blue Bell, Pennsylvania
Anthony J. Dean, MD
- Department of Emergency Medicine, University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
- OPUS 12 Foundation, Blue Bell, Pennsylvania
Brian A. Hoey, MD
- Department of Surgery, St. Luke's Hospital and Health Network, University of Pennsylvania Trauma Network, Bethlehem, Pennsylvania
- OPUS 12 Foundation, Blue Bell, Pennsylvania
- Correspondence: Inquiries to Brian A. Hoey, MD, Department of Surgery, St Luke's Hospital and Health Network, Bethlehem, PA 18015; fax: (610) 954-2201

published online 03 January 2008.

High-resolution imaging methods are used more frequently in the setting of postmortem investigation. Used for some time in forensics, computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) are now being evaluated as complementary or even as alternative means of postmortem examination. We review briefly the history of autopsy and the reasons for the gradual decrease in autopsy rates. An overview of advantages and limitations of modern imaging autopsy techniques is then presented, which includes a discussion of the potential role of imaging autopsy in medical and surgical education. Potential future applications of this technology in postmortem analysis, which includes the incorporation of ultrasound technology, are then discussed.

Key Words: autopsy, imaging autopsy, medical education, surgical education, computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging

Competency: Medical Knowledge, Practice Based Learning and Improvement, Systems Based Practice