The use of contrast-enhanced post Mortem CT in the detection of cardiovascular deaths.

<h4>Objectives</h4>To evaluate the diagnostic value of contrast enhanced post mortem computed tomography (PMCT) in comparison to non-enhanced post mortem CT in the detection of cardiovascular causes of death (COD).<h4>Background</h4>As autopsy rates decline, new methods to de...

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Main Authors: Jonas Christoph Apitzsch, Saskia Westphal, Tobias Penzkofer, Christiane Katharina Kuhl, Ruth Knüchel, Andreas H Mahnken
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Public Library of Science (PLoS) 2014-01-01
Series:PLoS ONE
Online Access:https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article/file?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0093101&type=printable
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author Jonas Christoph Apitzsch
Saskia Westphal
Tobias Penzkofer
Christiane Katharina Kuhl
Ruth Knüchel
Andreas H Mahnken
author_facet Jonas Christoph Apitzsch
Saskia Westphal
Tobias Penzkofer
Christiane Katharina Kuhl
Ruth Knüchel
Andreas H Mahnken
author_sort Jonas Christoph Apitzsch
collection DOAJ
description <h4>Objectives</h4>To evaluate the diagnostic value of contrast enhanced post mortem computed tomography (PMCT) in comparison to non-enhanced post mortem CT in the detection of cardiovascular causes of death (COD).<h4>Background</h4>As autopsy rates decline, new methods to determine CODs are necessary. So contrast enhanced PMCT shall be evaluated in comparison to established non-enhanced PMCT in order to further improve the method.<h4>Methods</h4>In a prospective study, 20 corpses were examined using a 64-row multisclice CT (MSCT) before and after intraarterial perfusion with a newly developed, barium-bearing contrast agent and ventilation of the lungs. The cause of death was determined in enhanced and unenhanced scans and a level of confidence (LOC) was given by three experienced radiologists on a scale between 0 and 4. Results were compared to autopsy results as gold standard. Autopsy was performed blinded to PMCT-findings.<h4>Results</h4>The method allowed visualization of different types of cause of death. There was a significant improvement in LOC in enhanced scans compared to unenhanced scans as well as an improvement in the detection of COD. The cause of death could be determined in 19 out of 20 patients.<h4>Conclusions</h4>PMCT is feasible and appears to be robust for diagnosing cardiovascular causes of death. When compared with unenhanced post-mortem CT intraarterial perfusion and pulmonary ventilation significantly improve visualization and diagnostic accuracy. These promising results warrant further studies.
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spelling doaj-art-cefbeca44ebf46c3ab90630f2061ed192025-08-20T02:14:50ZengPublic Library of Science (PLoS)PLoS ONE1932-62032014-01-0194e9310110.1371/journal.pone.0093101The use of contrast-enhanced post Mortem CT in the detection of cardiovascular deaths.Jonas Christoph ApitzschSaskia WestphalTobias PenzkoferChristiane Katharina KuhlRuth KnüchelAndreas H Mahnken<h4>Objectives</h4>To evaluate the diagnostic value of contrast enhanced post mortem computed tomography (PMCT) in comparison to non-enhanced post mortem CT in the detection of cardiovascular causes of death (COD).<h4>Background</h4>As autopsy rates decline, new methods to determine CODs are necessary. So contrast enhanced PMCT shall be evaluated in comparison to established non-enhanced PMCT in order to further improve the method.<h4>Methods</h4>In a prospective study, 20 corpses were examined using a 64-row multisclice CT (MSCT) before and after intraarterial perfusion with a newly developed, barium-bearing contrast agent and ventilation of the lungs. The cause of death was determined in enhanced and unenhanced scans and a level of confidence (LOC) was given by three experienced radiologists on a scale between 0 and 4. Results were compared to autopsy results as gold standard. Autopsy was performed blinded to PMCT-findings.<h4>Results</h4>The method allowed visualization of different types of cause of death. There was a significant improvement in LOC in enhanced scans compared to unenhanced scans as well as an improvement in the detection of COD. The cause of death could be determined in 19 out of 20 patients.<h4>Conclusions</h4>PMCT is feasible and appears to be robust for diagnosing cardiovascular causes of death. When compared with unenhanced post-mortem CT intraarterial perfusion and pulmonary ventilation significantly improve visualization and diagnostic accuracy. These promising results warrant further studies.https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article/file?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0093101&type=printable
spellingShingle Jonas Christoph Apitzsch
Saskia Westphal
Tobias Penzkofer
Christiane Katharina Kuhl
Ruth Knüchel
Andreas H Mahnken
The use of contrast-enhanced post Mortem CT in the detection of cardiovascular deaths.
PLoS ONE
title The use of contrast-enhanced post Mortem CT in the detection of cardiovascular deaths.
title_full The use of contrast-enhanced post Mortem CT in the detection of cardiovascular deaths.
title_fullStr The use of contrast-enhanced post Mortem CT in the detection of cardiovascular deaths.
title_full_unstemmed The use of contrast-enhanced post Mortem CT in the detection of cardiovascular deaths.
title_short The use of contrast-enhanced post Mortem CT in the detection of cardiovascular deaths.
title_sort use of contrast enhanced post mortem ct in the detection of cardiovascular deaths
url https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article/file?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0093101&type=printable
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