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RESEARCH PRODUCT

Intraosseous gas distribution as a marker of postmortem interval

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Abstract The postmortem interval is probably the most important puzzle piece in clarifying the circumstances in case of death occurred in unknown conditions. Over the years, radio-imaging modalities have proved their worth in forensic field, providing additional and significant improvements and findings. CT-scan is characterized by wide availability, fast scan times and sustainable healthcare costs. Detection of gas, hemorrhage and bone fractures are points of strength of CT-scan. A reliable evaluation of the post-mortem interval is interesting in the victims of a mass disaster, also following a natural disaster, for the individuation of responsibility in the efficiency of the help and assistance. This work is based on the postmortem CT-scan evaluation of 26 people sadly died during a tragic flood occurred in 2009 in Giampilieri (Italy). In particular, the gas distribution within the skeletal bones was evaluated, with recognition of specific patterns that were then related to the time of death. The identification of intraosseous gas could represent a helpful tool in the estimation of postmortem interval.