Post Mortem Computed Tomography of the Abdomen and Pelvis

When reporting post mortem CT of the abdomen and pelvis it is important to appreciate that there is a significant overlap between normal decomposition-related gas patterns and those representing true pathology. The viscera of the abdomen and pelvis can be difficult to examine to clinical standards without intravenous contrast and these limitations are discussed. Causes of death in this cavity are however less frequent than those seen in the chest. When sudden they are often visibly catastrophic and unequivocal, such as rupture of the abdominal aorta.