Forensic Radiology

Forensic Radiology

Forensic Radiology is a specialised area of medical imaging utilising radiological techniques to assist physicians and pathologists in matters pertaining to the law.

The forensic use of radiography has a long history indeed within months of the discovery of X-rays by Wilhelm Roentgen in November 1895; a bullet lodged in the leg of a gunshot victim was located using X-rays and the obtained images used in the subsequent successful prosecution case for attempted murder.   Pathologists regularly use radiographic images during the course of autopsy to assist them in identification of foreign bodies or determination of death.   Over the last 20 years, radiological techniques have become more sophisticated with the introduction of CT, MRI and ultrasound.   These newer procedures are now being applied in the forensic environment requiring the active participation of medical imaging specialists (Radiologists).

What are the uses of forensic radiology?

1. Suspicious death or murder - prior to autopsy, radiographic techniques can assist the pathologist in determining the potential cause of death and may alert them to a previously unsuspected suspicious death.   Autopsy technique may need alteration given the prior knowledge of specific radiographic findings

2. Analysis of adverse medical events - during the course of hospital admission or medical care, adverse events may occur.   Radiographic imaging is an integral part of the medical process and provides a permanent record of the patient's condition.   Specialist review of these images in the light of autopsy findings and clinical audit can aid in the prevention of future mishap

3. Legal matters - following injury or assault radiological imaging is commonly obtained by medical practitioners.   Expert interpretation of these images may provide useful evidence in criminal and civil jurisdictions

4. Child abuse - as part of the workup of children with suspected abuse, radiological techniques are mandatory in providing evidence of both acute and chronic injury.   Some of the findings are very specific for abuse and crucial for conviction of culprits

5. Drug trafficking - increasingly sophisticated methods are used by drug traffickers to avoid detection.   This includes the deliberate ingestion or cavity insertion of drugs wrapped in protective materials (known as body packing).   These packets are readily identified on CT scans and can assist law enforcement agencies in screening suspected individuals

6. Body identification - along with dental and DNA analysis, radiographic images be used in the identification of unknown victims.   This requires the securing of pre-mortem examinations e.g. CT scan or radiographs from a suspected individual and the matching of specific anatomical details with similar post mortem studies

7. Disease identification (e.g. Marfan's) - during the course of an autopsy there may be findings that can have consequence to the deceased family i.e. the detection of possible genetic disease.   In order to confirm such a pathological suspicion, radiographic procedures can provide confirmatory evidence and as such lead to the deceased's family being offered genetic screening

8. Donor bank analysis - all body parts donated for use as grafts in particular bone must be carefully screened prior to use in order to avoid the insertion of “diseased” material into a recipient.  This can be accurately performed “non-destructively” utilising radiographic techniques

Expertise

Although not in full time attendance at VIFM, radiologists with specific knowledge regularly provide advice and interpretation to VIFM staff and the coroner.   They are also available for independent consultation on specific forensic matters and can be contacted through VIFM