Virtual Autopsies in the Forensic Field: Achievements and Limitations

Abstract

Virtual autopsy is an innovative method that has solidified its relevance in the field of forensic imaging. There are various post-mortem techniques, but post-mortem computed tomography and post-mortem magnetic resonance imaging stand out in the forensic field. This approach is capable of providing relevant expert evidence for Forensic Pathology, by analysing the images taken, in a non-invasive way and preserving the integrity of the corpse, with the aim of clarifying the cause and circumstances of death, identifying the corpse and carrying out thanatological and anthropological studies. The main aim of this work is to explain the scope and limitations of the virtual autopsy approach and its applicability in the forensic field, focussing essentially on the techniques of post-mortem computed tomography and post-mortem magnetic resonance imaging. But could virtual autopsy replace invasive autopsy at some point? Or will it only be seen as a complement? Or is it feasible to use this approach as a screening method? These are the questions that the authors aim to clarify through a narrative review. To this end, a search was carried out in PubMed and other databases from 2015 onwards, including content that proved to be pertinent outside this time frame.