3D C-arm as an alternative modality to CT in postmortem imaging: Technical feasibility

ObjectThe aim of our study was to demonstrate the image quality of the new device using human cadavers, extending the horizon of available imaging modalities in forensic medicine.Materials and methodsSix human cadavers were examined, revealing C-arm data sets of the head, neck thorax, abdomen and pelvis. High-resolution mode was performed with 500 fluoroscopy shots during a 190° orbital movement with a constant tube voltage of 100 kV and a current of 4.6 mA. Based on these data sets subsequent three-dimensional reconstructions were generated.ResultsReconstructed data sets revealed high-resolution images of all skeletal structures in a near-CT quality. The same image quality was available in all reconstruction planes. Artefacts caused by restorative dental materials are less accentuated in CBCT data sets. The system configuration was not powerful enough to generate sufficient images of intracranial structures.ConclusionAfter the here-demonstrated encouraging preliminary results, the forensic indications that would be suitable for imaging with a 3D C-arm have to be defined. Promising seems the visualization local limited region of interest as the cervical spine or the facial skeleton.