Аннтотация

© 2018 Russian Electronic Journal of Radiology. All rights reserved. Purpose. The literature data and the results of our own research, which demonstrate the possibilities of using radiological research methods for the analysis of the lungs lesions in deceased patients, are presented. It is shown that the postmortem computed tomography (CT) allows to identify abnormalities of the chest bones, as well as to establish the presence, precise localization and volume of gas and air accumulations, including pneumothorax. The literature data on the comparison of postmortem CT lung characteristics, including the density of their tissue, with data of histological examination of lung preparations and causes of death in adult patients, are presented. It is noted that postmortem magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is more expedient for the detection of the lungs pathology in dead fetuses and deceased newborns. The possibilities of postmortem MRI for the diagnosis of congenital pneumonia, hemorrhages in the lung tissue, pulmonary edema, hydrothorax, as well as for differential diagnosis of stillbirth and the death of a living newborn are shown. Differential diagnostic signs of pulmonary artery thromboembolism and postmortem blood clots are indicated. The possibilities of postmortem CT and MRI for noninvasive determination of the sizes and weight of the lungs, including for assessment of pulmonary hypoplasia in newborns with congenital diaphragmatic hernia, are described. It is concluded that the postmortem radiological methods of investigation can be used to analyze of the lung lesions and determine the causes of death. The combined use of CT and MRI is recommended for a full analysis. It is emphasized that postmortem radiological examination can not be an alternative to pathological and forensic autopsy. Radiological methods should be used as a supplement to the autopsy, including as a kind of "guide" for a better definition of pathological processes during the autopsy.