Abstract

Background: Autopsy is more time consuming if the bullet/bullets are lodged at the difficult to access sites of the head especially maxillofacial regions. The procedure of suturing the deceased becomes even more difficult after the retrieval of bullets post dissection of facial tissues. The altered aesthetics psychologically and emotionally disturbs the already bereaved next of kin. The authors explored the utility of PMCT and propose a methodology of targeted dissection/minimally invasive approach to retrieve the bullet. The authors discussed the feasibility to conclude the cause of death in cases of single/multiple firearm injuries tothe head using PMCT alone. Methods: The authors evaluated three cases of firearm deaths at a distance lesser than close range to the head. The deceased was subjected to PMCT scanning using a 16 slice Multi-Slice CT spiral scanner and findings were analyzed using the Vitrea software v.6.9.1 with the slice thickness ranging from 0.5mm to 5mm. A routine conventional autopsy was conducted postscanning. Two of the three cases were suicide and succumbed to a single firearm injury while the third case was a homicide due to multiple firearm injuries. Conclusion: PMCT alone can beutilized and relied upon in deaths due to a single shot to the head and suggest a combined methodology of PMCT evaluation and minimally invasive approach in cases of multiple firearm injuries for better correlation of wound track. Lastly, PMCT helped in a targeted approach to reach the in situ bullets more precisely than any other radiological technique which upholds the humanitarian forensic aspect.

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