Course Description
When someone dies, whether from natural causes, a disaster, or as a victim of a crime, an examination of the circumstances of their death can be imperative. Traditionally, an autopsy is performed by a pathologist to determine the cause of death, collect evidence, and identify the victim from dental records or medical devices when necessary. However, there are some limitations to traditional autopsy as well as situations where it's not a viable option. This is where forensic radiology can be very beneficial to pathologists and law enforcement officials. Utilizing postmortem imaging (PMI), especially postmortem computed tomography (PMCT) and postmortem magnetic resonance imaging (PMMR) before, during, or after a traditional autopsy, can help identify diseases, injuries, and foreign bodies that may be missed by traditional autopsy alone. PMCT and PMMR can assist with 3-dimensional (3D) injury and incident reconstructions, which can be stored as raw, electronic data, that can be easily accessed for long periods of time, allowing for collaboration with other medical and legal professionals. Postmortem imaging has also become a routine part of forensic anthropology that assists with examining human remains and the creation of 3D models to aid in investigations and teaching. This continuing education (CE) course will discuss the basic concepts of forensic pathology and forensic radiology, identify the roles of PMCT and PMMR in forensic investigations, compare the use of PMCT and PMMR with traditional autopsy, and analyze the usefulness of PMCT and PMMR in forensic investigations. There is also a brief discussion of how imaging can be used in forensic anthropology, including the incorporation of artificial intelligence, safety measures that must be taken, and data considerations for the images obtained with PMI.

Learning Objectives
After reviewing the content, the participant should be able to:

• EXPLAIN the basic concepts of forensic pathology and forensic radiology.
• IDENTIFY the roles of postmortem computed tomography (PMCT) and postmortem magnetic resonance imaging (PMMR) in forensic investigations.
• COMPARE and CONTRAST PMCT and PMMR with traditional autopsy techniques.
• APPLY the use of radiologic imaging in forensic anthropology.
• OUTLINE the safety and image storage considerations when using CT and MRI in forensic pathology or investigations.

 

Categories: CT, MRI

In order to receive CE credit, you must first complete the activity content. When completed, go to the "Take CE Test!" link to access the post-test.

Submit the completed answers to determine if you have passed the post-test assessment. You must answer 17 out of 22 questions correctly to receive the CE credit. You will have no more than 3 attempts to successfully complete the post-test.

Participants successfully completing the activity content and passing the post-test will receive 2.0 ARRT Category A credits.

Approved by the American Society of Radiologic Technologists for ARRT Category A credit.

Approved by the state of Florida for ARRT Category A credit (for Technical credits). 

Texas direct credit.

This activity may be available in multiple formats or from different sponsors. ARRT does not allow CE activities such as Internet courses, home study programs, or directed readings to be repeated for CE credit in the same biennium.

Category	Credits
Digital	0
Fluoroscopy	0
Mammography	0