15283-B-Blokker

143 CT and MR features of postmortem change in deaths 8 Liver, spleen, kidneys, gallbladder, pancreas, adrenals Internal livores of the spleen and kidney were noted by two layers of different T1 and T2 signal reflecting blood settling in the parenchyma. In the liver, three layers can be seen: an upper layer with small amounts of putrefactive gas, a middle layer with intermediate signal and a lower layer that together with the middle layer reflect settling of blood (Fig 4A-F). Gravity can cause sedimentation of the gallbladder content and this is best seen on PMMR as vertical signal gradients. Livor mortis in organ parenchyma (spleen 31%, kidneys 6% and liver 74%) was also best depicted on PMMR and presented as different layers of T1 and T2 signal. In general, livores of the organ parenchyma were not clearly detectable on PMCT. Periportal edema was found on PMMR in 27% (Fig 5A). Putrefaction gas in the liver vasculature was seen on PMCT in 37% (Fig 5B). The imaging features of the pancreas and adrenal glands were not notably affected by postmortem change. Stomach, intestines, abdominal cavity Sedimentation in the stomach and intestines was seen in only a few cases (15%). Fluid in the abdomen was present in 35%. Bowel distension (14%), gas in the intestinal wall (8%) and free abdominal air (7%) were less common features (Fig 5C-F). Soft tissues On PMCT superficial internal livor mortis was manifested as increased densities of the dependent subcutaneous areas (37%). 210 Putrefactive gas in subcutaneous tissue was not observed. Total-body CT and MR features of postmortem change – in relation to clinical conditions and postmortem time interval Intensive care unit admittance In our cohort 38/100 patients died in the ICU. Livores of the liver was seen significantly more often in ICU patients than in non-ICU patients (92% vs. 62%, p=0.001) (Table 10). High T1 signal of the basal ganglia was significantly less frequently observed in ICU patients (44% vs. 13 %, p=0.001). Post-resuscitation status Forty-three patients underwent unsuccessful resuscitation just prior to death. Pleural effusion (p<0.001) and periportal edema (p=0.001) were seen significantly more often in patients that had undergone resuscitation (Table 10). Postmortem clotting occurred