The use of fluoroscopy in the identification of Homeland War victims from 2001 to 2008

Aim. Aim of the study was to investigate the importance and value of fluoroscopy usage during the identification process of Homeland War victims from 2001 to 2008. Subjects and methods. We reviewed autopsy records of all war victims processed at our Department between 2001 and 2008. Out of 984 cases, in 320 fluoroscopy were performed. Description of their forensic analysis is presented. For the purpose of the fluoroscopy the Department of Forensic Medicine and Criminology is equipped with fluoroscope with an electronic image intensifier producing visible images on a TV monitor ready for printout on a printer (General Electric Co. ; Stenoscope 2, 6000/9000 C.C.D.-M.D.A.) Results. Between 320 bodies, which underwent fluoroscopy, 141 were completely or partly skeletonized, 175 developed complete or partial formation of adipocere. In 4 cases the state of body preservation was unmarked. The indisputable cause of death was established in 145 cases, in 114 cases the presumptive cause of death were established, while in 61 cases the cause of death was unknown. Among the known cause of death there were 107 gunshot injuries, explosive injuries in 87 cases, their combination in 12 cases. In 53 cases, others causes of death were determined (trauma of head and trunk, crush of head and trunk, multiple injuries etc.). The perimortal fracture (head, limbs, thorax, pelvis, multiple fractures) were confirmed in 96 body remains. The fluoroscopy findings of old fractures, bone deformations, prosthesis, pacemakers, dentures, which were found in 45 cases, were helpful in establishing identity. Finally the identity was affirmed in 207 cases. Conclusions. The fluoroscopy is invaluable in the identification process in confirmation of cause of death, particularly in the cases where the body remains developed adipocere formation and where the missiles and fragments of bombshells were found. Also, the fluoroscopy contributed to identity validation where the different body alterations were discovered. So, the participation of radiologist and radiology technician in the identification team is necessary.