Virtual autopsy and forensic anthropology of a mummified fetus: a report of one case.

Details

Serval ID
serval:BIB_64FEC6F9D54F
Type
Article: article from journal or magazin.
Publication sub-type
Case report (case report): feedback on an observation with a short commentary.
Collection
Publications
Title
Virtual autopsy and forensic anthropology of a mummified fetus: a report of one case.
Journal
Journal of Forensic Sciences
Author(s)
Dedouit F., Guilbeau-Frugier C., Telmon N., Gainza D., Otal P., Joffre F., Rougé D.
ISSN
0022-1198 (Print)
ISSN-L
0022-1198
Publication state
Published
Issued date
2008
Peer-reviewed
Oui
Volume
53
Number
1
Pages
208-212
Language
english
Notes
Publication types: Journal ArticlePublication Status: ppublishPDF: Case Report
Abstract
A jar containing the mummified body of a fetus was found in a bush near a building. Full-body multislice computed tomography (MSCT) was performed prior to autopsy to study the bones and internal organs. Age was estimated by measuring femoral and tibial lengths and examining the temporal and occipital bones. The results were then compared with the autopsy and histopathological findings. MSCT was superior to autopsy for examination of the bones and internal organs. Autopsy was difficult because of the fragility of the dried corpse. MSCT determined the gestational age of the fetus and excluded skeletal abnormalities. Estimated age was similar with the two methods used. However, the major advantage of MSCT was rapid measurement of bones or anatomical regions which are difficult to examine during autopsy and which required specific preparation for further anthropological study. This case report illustrates the possibilities offered by MSCT for studying mummified bodies, even fetuses.
Keywords
Autopsy/methods, Cochlea/pathology, Ear, Middle/pathology, Fetus/pathology, Foot/pathology, Forensic Anthropology, Gestational Age, Humans, Mummies/pathology, Osteogenesis, Temporal Bone/pathology, Tibia/pathology, Tomography, X-Ray Computed/methods
Pubmed
Web of science
Create date
12/01/2016 10:52
Last modification date
20/08/2019 15:21
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