Multiphase Postmortem Computed Tomography Angiography (MPMCTA)

The technique of multiphase postmortem computed tomography angiography (MPMCTA) is today’s most often used and published method of postmortem angiography (PMA). It consists of a standardized protocol of perfusion parameters, injection material, and data acquisition. Specific material has been developed to ease the use of the technique and document the perfusion of the body. Thanks to this technique, it is possible to visualize the vascular system of the head, thorax, abdomen, and partially the limbs of a body even after a long postmortem delay. Therefore, diagnosis of various vascular, organic, and soft-tissue lesions can be achieved radiologically. In general, this minimally invasive method is performed via the cannulation of the femoral vessels of one side of the body. However, as an alternative, the cannulation site can be switched to the axillary vessels. No matter which approach is chosen, the same injection parameters are applied, leading to no change in the technical protocol. This chapter explains in detail how an MPMCTA is performed using either the femoral or the axillary approach.