Applicability of facial soft tissue thickness measurements in 3-dimensionally reconstructed multidetector-row CT images for forensic anthropological examination.

摘要

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study is to assess the applicability of facial soft tissue measurements using 3-dimensional reconstructed MDCT and to compare the results with previously reported Japanese data. METHODS AND MATERIALS: This study included 50 Japanese cadavers who underwent postmortem whole body 16-detector CT within 0-3 days after death. Using 3-D workstation, 10 anthropological measuring points were located and the soft tissue thicknesses were measured. The differences between the acquired thickness and the previously reported Japanese average thickness were statistically analyzed. RESULTS: All measuring points were readily determined on the 3-dimensional reconstructed images. Previous Japanese cadaveric data was thinner than our data in almost all sites except for 1 measuring point (mid-philtrum). Previous living Japanese data was thicker than ours except for 1 measuring point (end of nasal). CONCLUSION: Facial soft tissue thickness was easily assessed using 3-D reconstructed MDCT images. At many measuring points, our results were thicker than previously reported cadaveric data and were thinner than the data from live persons.