High diagnostic accuracy of postmortem CT for hemothorax with volume estimation challenges: A comparative study with autopsy
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Issued Date
2025-06-01
Resource Type
ISSN
26662264
eISSN
26662256
Scopus ID
2-s2.0-105002894012
Journal Title
Forensic Imaging
Volume
41
Rights Holder(s)
SCOPUS
Bibliographic Citation
Forensic Imaging Vol.41 (2025)
Suggested Citation
Yeesakhorn P., Tungsub W., Saksobhavivat N., Worasuwannarak W. High diagnostic accuracy of postmortem CT for hemothorax with volume estimation challenges: A comparative study with autopsy. Forensic Imaging Vol.41 (2025). doi:10.1016/j.fri.2025.200626 Retrieved from: https://repository.li.mahidol.ac.th/handle/123456789/109801
Title
High diagnostic accuracy of postmortem CT for hemothorax with volume estimation challenges: A comparative study with autopsy
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Abstract
Background: Estimating hemothorax volume via postmortem computed tomography (PMCT) remains challenging because of postmortem artifacts that can impact interpretation and accuracy. This study aimed to evaluate the accuracy of PMCT in estimating hemothorax volume compared with standard autopsy. Methods: Forty deceased individuals who underwent both PMCT and autopsy were examined. PMCT volumes were manually segmented, and the results were compared with autopsy findings. Spearman's rank correlation and paired t-tests were used to assess accuracy. Results: PMCT showed a high diagnostic accuracy for hemothorax, with correlation coefficients of 0.859 and 0.794 on the left and right sides, respectively. However, the mean absolute percentage error (MAPE) for volume estimation was relatively high, suggesting caution when relying solely on PMCT for volume estimation. Conclusion: PMCT is a reliable tool for diagnosing hemothorax; however, its accuracy in volume estimation remains limited for manual segmentation methods. Further refinement of the imaging techniques is required for more precise volume measurements.