Bioethical Aspects of Postmortem Imaging, in G. Lo Re, M. Midiri, A. Argo, C. Cattaneo (eds), Radiology in Forensic Medicine. From Identification to Post-mortem Imaging

Abstract

The use of advanced imaging techniques such as the computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to determine or confirm the cause of death, raises some particular ethical issues. What criteria should we follow in applying these techniques? Beyond the legal issues, how far does the duty to know the truth about the causes of a person's death go, especially when it comes to children?