Into the decomposed body – Feasibility of post-mortem CT angiography in a decomposed cadaver

Postmortem CT angiography (PMCTA), by one of several methods, is an established technique for forensic investigation. Decomposition will eventually preclude PMCTA due to loss of vessel integrity, but these limits are not well established. This report illustrates a case in which PMCTA was used successfully in a decedent that was moderately decomposed. Imaging also provided a clear indication of the cause of death, in lieu of autopsy. In concert with history, scene and external evaluation, PMCTA aided the final establishment of manner and cause of death in this decomposed body.