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Mike Mitka

JAMA. 2007;298:392-393.

	Since this article does not have an abstract, we have provided the first 150 words of the full text and any section headings.

The latest versions of imaging devices could play a part in autopsy, but costs may ultimately limit their acceptance in the general health care community.

Pathologists have traditionally used x-ray imaging before autopsy to focus their explorations. But lately researchers have published findings suggesting that "virtual autopsy" using multidetector computed tomography (MSCT) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) may be an even better tool to help determine death.

A multidetector CT image shows sediment in the chest (arrowhead) that is indicative of drowning (left), confirmed by an autopsy photograph revealing sediment in the lumen of the airways (right). (Image reproduced with permission from Levy AD et al. Radiology. 2007;243[3]:862-868.)

In June, researchers associated with the US Armed Forces Medical Examiner's Office published a study supporting the use of MSCT to determine death by drowning (Levy AD et al. Radiology. 2007; 243[3]:862-868). Angela D. Levy, MD, lead author . . . [Full Text of this Article]