2.6. Postmortem computed tomography findings in the thorax

To investigate findings of postmortem imaging using objective data and to define the time-related course of lung changes using postmortem CT (PMCT). From April 2013 to October 2013, 12 bodies (8 men, 4 women; age, 27–81 years [mean, 60.0 years]) were examined two times in a >4-hour interval (4−164 h [mean, 30.8 h; median, 17.5 h). We compared pleural space fluid volume, decreased aerated lung volume (DLV), and pulmonary volume between the two postmortem CT scans. We divided the subjects into 2 groups according to the postmortem period (30 h) and compared the time-related changes between the SHORT and LONG postmortem periods. To evaluate the volume change rate, we plotted the volume rate (ml/h) against pleural space fluid volume and DLV according to the postmortem period. At the 2nd PMCT, the pleural space fluid (p=0.0425) and DLV (p=0.0186) increased and pulmonary volume (p=0.0229) decreased. Between the SHORT and LONG groups, there were statistically significant differences in DLV (p=0.0374) and DLV rate (ml/h) (p=0.0104). The pleural space fluid increase peaked at 30 h and continued until 42 h. The DLV rate consistently decreased throughout the postmortem period until the 30-h mark. The time-related course of lung changes on postmortem CT can be assessed using time-interval PMCT.