Possibilities and limitations of virutal autopsy in neonatology
Tumanova U.N., Shchegolev A.I.
| The data of literature and results of own researches are presented, which show the possibility of using radiological methods for the analysis of the fetuses’ bodies, stillborn and neonatal deaths. |
|
It is noted that the post-mortem computed tomography (CT), including constructed three-dimensional reconstructions, allows you to explore the bones’ topography in detail. With this method it is possible to estimate their form and calculate the quantitative characteristics of individual bones as a whole part or their components, as well as to identify the pathology of the skeletal system. Important advantages of postmortem CT is the ability to detect hemorrhages, and accumulations of fluid and free gas in the cavities, organs and tissues with the possibility of calculating their volume, and the possibility of a clear definition of the localization of the probes and catheters in the corpse. The main advantages of postmortem magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in neonatology should include excellent visualization of the internal organs and soft tissues and evaluate their topography, size and detection of pathological changes. Postmortem MRI should be conducted by at least T1 and T2 standard sequence of scanning. On the basis of the comparative analysis of MRI signal intensities on the tomograms obtained in T2 mode of re-search, we developed a method to determine the limitations of the intrauterine fetal death and also identified the differential diagnostic signs of stillborn and dead newborn. Based on the assessment of changes in signal intensity, we have also proposed a method for the diagnosis of congenital pneumonia in dead newborn. It is concluded that postmortem radiological methods can and should be used in the analysis of perinatal death. For a full bodies’ analysis in neonatology it requires the combined use of both imaging techniques: CT and MRI. Currently, however, the posthumous virtopsy cannot be an alternative to the pathological and forensic autopsy. Radiology methods should be used as a supplement to autopsy, including as a sort of "guide" to better define the pathological processes during the autopsy.
Keywords: autopsy, computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), fetus, stillborn, newborn.
Corresponding author: Tumanova U.N., Этот e-mail адрес защищен от спам-ботов, для его просмотра у Вас должен быть включен Javascript
For citation: Tumanova U.N., Shchegolev A.I. Possibilities and limitations of virutal autopsy in neonatology. REJR. 2017; 7 (1):-. DOI:10.21569/2222-7415-2016-6-2-91-96.
Received: 14.12.2016 Accepted: 27.12.2016