CSI and Digital Autopsy (Awareness Video)

CSI and Digital Autopsy Animation Video (Click on the image)

The term AUTOPSY has already been adapted and is familiar in the world of Forensic Medicine. The CSI affect more or less influences in appreciative of common people in the field of Forensics Application. Autopsy, also known as post-mortem examination is usually performed by specialized medical doctor in order to determine the cause and manner of death. It normally includes surgery and invasive examination to the dead body. It can be done for either legal or medical purposes. 

DIGITAL AUTOPSY is a complementary approach to classical autopsy. Instead of cutting the cadaver, the dead body will be sent for scanning first, followed by rendering of the body DICOM data into 3D digital body. Forensic expert can perform digital autopsy on the body using the advanced medical visualization software system. If the result is found to be inconclusive, the body can undergoes autopsy in more targeted and educated manner. Digital Autopsy analyzes the 3D volume data generated from Medical Modern Imaging Modalities such as CT scanner or MRI Scanner with direct volume rendering techniques. The cadaver remains in a sealed body bag throughout the procedure to avoid loss of forensic evidences, or the spread of disease and bacteria.

Digital Autopsy applies special Forensic Workflow. It’s not just a Diagnostic Imaging Technology but has a specific focus in forensic investigation. Examining a dead body might not be as simple as the normal living patient. These are due to few points such as, the posture of body is not in anatomical position; dismembered organ or extremities; the body might undergo decomposition or skeletonization; and in case of exhumation the body will muddle up with soil, rock or sand which can appear as artifact in the 3D visualization. Thus, Forensic Experts need to have specific training in this field.  

There are some findings that are difficult to prove and visualize in conventional autopsy but can be easily seen in full body CT, such as air in the lung or within the body, pattern of fracture, detection of metal object, wound or bullet tract, examination of fracture in vertebra or inaccessible area, foreign object in digestive tract, hemorrhage to eye lens etc. 

Digital Autopsy allows expert or forensic pathologist to do autopsy not just once, but they can redo and ask for second opinion. The raw data acquired from the CT modality make it possible as the exact raw data can’t be modified or disturbed. Data can be kept in database with implementation of security measure to be available at any time. This can be kept forever as an archive or for purpose of medical study and research. 

Digital Autopsy becomes a complement workflow in autopsy procedure. Forensic Pathologist should practice digital autopsy which can aid them to come out with certain finding in the post mortem. With availability of crime scene data, photograph and reconstruction model, Forensic Expert can simulate and test the hypothesis for the manner of death of that particular case. Last but not least, Digital Autopsy can reduce the autopsy time session and give more descriptive and objective visual report.