Post-mortem skeletal survey (PMSS) versus post-mortem computed tomography (PMCT) for the detection of corner metaphyseal lesions (CML) in children

ConclusionPMSS remains preferable to PMCT for CML evaluation. Any investigation of suspected abuse or unexplained deaths should include radiographs of the limbs to exclude CMLs.Clinical relevance statementIn order to avoid missing evidence that could indicate child abuse as a contributory cause for death in children, radiographs of the limbs should be performed to exclude CMLs, even if a PMCT is being acquired.Key Points•Corner metaphyseal lesions (CMLs) are indicative for abuse, but challenging to detect. Skeletal surveys (i.e. radiographs) are standard practice; however, accuracy of CT is unknown.•Sensitivity for CML detection on radiographs is significantly higher than CT.•Investigation of unexplained paediatric deaths should include radiographs to exclude CMLs even if CT is also being performed.
Source: European Radiology - Category: Radiology Source Type: research