Introduction: Traditional autopsy, the cornerstone of forensic investigations, faces cultural opposition in countries like India, where religious and spiritual beliefs often conflict with invasive post-mortem procedures. This study evaluates the efficacy of post-mortem computed tomography (PMCT) as a non-invasive alternative to traditional autopsy in India, assessing its potential to reconcile scientific investigation with cultural sensitivity. Materials & Methods: A retrospective observational study was conducted at the Department of Forensic Medicine and Toxicology, AIIMS, New Delhi, on 100 medico-legal cases. The study compared findings from PMCT and traditional autopsy, including histopathological examinations, across various causes of death. Results: Revealed that PMCT excelled in detecting bony injuries, intracranial hemorrhage, and lung pathologies, while traditional autopsy was more effective in identifying abdominal visceral pathologies, coronary calcifications, and soft tissue injuries. Statistical analysis showed a high degree of agreement between the two methods in traumatic deaths, but also highlighted significant differences, especially in abdominal and coronary pathology detection. Conclusion: The study underscores the complementary role of PMCT in forensic pathology, enhancing the accuracy and non-invasive nature of death investigations. The findings support the integration of PMCT into the Indian medico-legal system, offering a promising path towards more respectful, efficient, and culturally sensitive autopsy practices.
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2022: 6.012
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