Two-step postmortem angiography with a modified heart-lung machine: preliminary results

Grabherr, Silke; Gygax, Erich; Sollberger, Barbara; Ross, Steffen; Oesterhelweg, Lars; Bolliger, Stephan; Christe, Andreas; Djonov, Valentin; Thali, Michael J; Dirnhofer, Richard (2008). Two-step postmortem angiography with a modified heart-lung machine: preliminary results. AJR, American journal of roentgenology, 190(2), pp. 345-51. Leesburg, Va.: American Roentgen Ray Society 10.2214/AJR.07.2261

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OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to adapt and improve a minimally invasive two-step postmortem angiographic technique for use on human cadavers. Detailed mapping of the entire vascular system is almost impossible with conventional autopsy tools. The technique described should be valuable in the diagnosis of vascular abnormalities. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Postmortem perfusion with an oily liquid is established with a circulation machine. An oily contrast agent is introduced as a bolus injection, and radiographic imaging is performed. In this pilot study, the upper or lower extremities of four human cadavers were perfused. In two cases, the vascular system of a lower extremity was visualized with anterograde perfusion of the arteries. In the other two cases, in which the suspected cause of death was drug intoxication, the veins of an upper extremity were visualized with retrograde perfusion of the venous system. RESULTS: In each case, the vascular system was visualized up to the level of the small supplying and draining vessels. In three of the four cases, vascular abnormalities were found. In one instance, a venous injection mark engendered by the self-administration of drugs was rendered visible by exudation of the contrast agent. In the other two cases, occlusion of the arteries and veins was apparent. CONCLUSION: The method described is readily applicable to human cadavers. After establishment of postmortem perfusion with paraffin oil and injection of the oily contrast agent, the vascular system can be investigated in detail and vascular abnormalities rendered visible.

Item Type:	Journal Article (Original Article)
Division/Institute:	04 Faculty of Medicine > Service Sector > Institute of Legal Medicine > Forensic Medicine 04 Faculty of Medicine > Service Sector > Institute of Legal Medicine 04 Faculty of Medicine > Service Sector > Institute of Legal Medicine > Forensic Imaging 04 Faculty of Medicine > Department of Radiology, Neuroradiology and Nuclear Medicine (DRNN) > Institute of Diagnostic, Interventional and Paediatric Radiology
UniBE Contributor:	Ross, Steffen, Bolliger, Stephan, Christe, Andreas, Thali, Michael
ISSN:	0361-803X
ISBN:	18212219
Publisher:	American Roentgen Ray Society
Language:	English
Submitter:	Factscience Import
Date Deposited:	04 Oct 2013 15:01
Last Modified:	05 Dec 2022 14:19
Publisher DOI:	10.2214/AJR.07.2261
PubMed ID:	18212219
Web of Science ID:	000252932100012
URI:	https://boris.unibe.ch/id/eprint/26653 (FactScience: 80277)