Work

Forensic imaging in mass disasters: results of the use of post-mortem computed tomography in earthquake victims

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Post-Mortem Computed Tomography (PMCT) in mass fatalities can be used to perform disaster victim identification and to establish the cause of death. The authors present forensic investigations in the victims of a mass disaster.In May 2012, an earthquake occurred in the province of Modena (Italy), as a result of which 12 workers died, found lifeless under the rubble of the industries in which they worked. All corpses were identified at the scene of the natural accident. The Public Prosecutor asked the forensic pathologist to perform only an external examination to identify the cause and manner of death. The forensic pathologist obtained permission to also perform PMCT, so as to produce additional medico-legal evidence for the protection of the dead workers. The Public Prosecutor would request a judicial autopsy if the previous investigations proved insufficient to define the cause and manner of death.External examination revealed fractures to the head in 7 cases, to the thorax in 9 cases, and to the pelvis in 6 cases. PMCT made it possible to precisely identify fractured bone segments. In all cases, cause and manner of death were determined with a reasonable degree of medical certainty thanks to circumstantial elements, external examination, and PMCT findings.Our experience supports the view that in cases of major natural disasters, when the Public Prosecutor chooses to avoid judicial autopsy if possible, the combined approach of forensic pathology and forensic radiology through external examination and PMCT may be appropriate to identify the cause and manner of death.

Source: Forensic Imaging

DOI: 10.1016/j.fri.2025.200663

Authors: Anna Laura Santunione, Jessika Camatti, Filippo Baldoni, Enrico Silingardi, Pietro Torricelli, Rossana Cecchi

Institutions: University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, University of Parma, Ospedale di Stato della Repubblica di San Marino

Language: English

Topic: Autopsy Techniques and Outcomes

Subfield: Radiology, Nuclear Medicine and Imaging

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDGs: Good health and well-being, Peace, justice, and strong institutions

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $3,280