Gary M. Hatch

Bio: Gary M. Hatch is an academic researcher from University of New Mexico. The author has contributed to research in topics: Forensic radiology & Autopsy. The author has an hindex of 13, co-authored 48 publications receiving 698 citations. Previous affiliations of Gary M. Hatch include University of Zurich & University of Bern.

The rise of forensic and post-mortem radiology—Analysis of the literature between the year 2000 and 2011

Abstract: Objective It was the aim of this study to investigate the evolution of published literature in the field of post-mortem and forensic radiology, determine what technology is most widely used, identify primary research topics, and uncover areas where the evidence basis for post-mortem and forensic radiology is lacking. Materials and methods We performed an online literature search using 62 different combinations of search terms to identify articles on post-mortem and forensic radiology published between the year 2000 and 2011. For each publication included in the study, the following pieces of information were retrieved: title and abstract, author affiliation, year of publication, name of journal, type of article, and article language. Publications were categorized based on content, imaging modalities, use of additional techniques, and study population. Results A total of 661 publications were analyzed. Publications related to post-mortem and forensic radiology experienced a tenfold increase over the last 10 years. The majority of all publications focused on the documentation of injury or disease and identification of human remains. Computed tomography (CT) is chiefly used to investigate traumatic injury, magnetic resonance (MR) to assess cardio-vascular and cerebral disease, and radiographs to identify human remains. Other techniques are only rarely used. Over 40 countries worldwide contributed to the field during the study period. Conclusions This study provides evidence that scientific publications on forensic and post-mortem radiology grew significantly between the year 2000 and 2011. During this decade, forensic and post-mortem radiology rose from an obscure topic to a relevant field in the forensic sciences.

Essentials of forensic post-mortem MR imaging in adults

Abstract: Post-mortem MR (PMMR) imaging is a powerful diagnostic tool with a wide scope in forensic radiology. In the past 20 years, PMMR has been used as both an adjunct and an alternative to autopsy. The role of PMMR in forensic death investigations largely depends on the rules and habits of local jurisdictions, availability of experts, financial resources, and individual case circumstances. PMMR images are affected by post-mortem changes, including position-dependent sedimentation, variable body temperature and decomposition. Investigators must be familiar with the appearance of normal findings on PMMR to distinguish them from disease or injury. Coronal whole-body images provide a comprehensive overview. Notably, short tau inversion–recovery (STIR) images enable investigators to screen for pathological fluid accumulation, to which we refer as “forensic sentinel sign”. If scan time is short, subsequent PMMR imaging may be focussed on regions with a positive forensic sentinel sign. PMMR offers excellent anatomical detail and is especially useful to visualize pathologies of the brain, heart, subcutaneous fat tissue and abdominal organs. PMMR may also be used to document skeletal injury. Cardiovascular imaging is a core area of PMMR imaging and growing evidence indicates that PMMR is able to detect ischaemic injury at an earlier stage than traditional autopsy and routine histology. The aim of this review is to present an overview of normal findings on forensic PMMR, provide general advice on the application of PMMR and summarise the current literature on PMMR imaging of the head and neck, cardiovascular system, abdomen and musculoskeletal system.

RADid: A pictorial review of radiologic identification using postmortem CT

Abstract: Radiologic identification (RADid) is a powerful and frequently successful tool for personal identification (ID) Postmortem computed tomography (PMCT), in particular, is uniquely well suited for the ID process, given the fact it may be reformatted or rendered to match almost any AM medical imaging examination RADid may also offer a faster and less expensive alternative to other methods, such as DNA analysis, in selected cases This paper presents a brief overview of the role, capabilities and techniques of medical imaging in the process of ID, introduces the lines of evidence that can contribute to ID and highlights specific case examples of RADid, with a focus on the use of PMCT for RADid Although used routinely by various practitioners and institutions (including those of the authors), RADid is, in our opinion, underused in the forensic community The case examples presented here demonstrate the wide range of IDs that are possible using RADid and will hopefully encourage practitioners in its use

Terminology used in publications for post-mortem cross-sectional imaging.

Abstract: We write to you today to suggest the need for standardisation of terminology used in the forensic/autopsy journals in the ever increasing number of publications in the emerging field post-mortem cross-sectionalimaging.Inouropinion,thereare too many different terms used currently both as words and/or abbreviations and the time has come to propose within the forensic literature that common terminology be applied to this field. The introduction of standardised terminology is critical, not only for those endeavouring to write and publish their work but also for those attempting to find references by keyword searches. We suggest the following terminology be introduced to initiate the process of standardisation: 1. Currently, the two modalities emerging as dominant in post-mortem imaging are computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging. We propose, as has been adopted within the UK, these be generically referred to as post-mortem cross-sectional imaging, so both modalities are covered by a single phrase. Authors could then go on to specify which of the two modalities, i.e. post-mortem computed tomography or postmortem magnetic resonance imaging or both, are referred to within their work. 2. In the case of post-mortem computed tomography, we propose the abbreviation PMCT be used. In the case of

Material differentiation in forensic radiology with single-source dual-energy computed tomography

Abstract: The goal of this study was to investigate the use of dual-energy computed tomography (CT) in differentiating frequently encountered foreign material on CT images using a standard single-source CT scanner. We scanned 20 different, forensically relevant materials at two X-Ray energy levels (80 and 130 kVp) on CT. CT values were measured in each object at both energy levels. Intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) was used to determine intra-reader reliability. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) was performed to assess significance levels between X-Ray attenuation at 80 and 130 kVp. T test was used to investigate significance levels between mean HU values of individual object pairings at single energy levels of 80 and 130 kVp, respectively. ANOVA revealed that the difference in attenuation between beam energies of 80 kVp compared to 130 kVp was statistically significant (p < 0.005) for all materials except brass and lead. ICC was excellent at 80 kVp (0.999, p < 0.001) and at 130 kVp (0.998, p < 0.001). T test showed that using single energy levels of 80 and 130 kVp respectively 181/190 objects pairs could be differentiated from one another based on HU measurements. Using the combined information from both energy levels, 189/190 object pairs could be differentiated. Scanning with different energy levels is a simple way to apply dual-energy technique on a regular single-energy CT and improves the ability to differentiate foreign bodies with CT, based on their attenuation values.

An essay towards solving a problem in the doctrine of chances. [Facsimil]

Abstract: Problem Given the number of times in which an unknown event has happened and failed: Required the chance that the probability of its happening in a single trial lies somewhere between any two degrees of probability that can be named. SECTION 1 Definition 1. Several events are inconsistent, when if one of them happens, none of the rest can. 2. Two events are contrary when one, or other of them must; and both together cannot happen. 3. An event is said to fail, when it cannot happen; or, which comes to the same thing, when its contrary has happened. 4. An event is said to be determined when it has either happened or failed. 5. The probability of any event is the ratio between the value at which an expectation depending on the happening of the event ought to be computed, and the value of the thing expected upon it’s 2 happening.

Guidelines for autopsy investigation of sudden cardiac death: 2017 update from the Association for European Cardiovascular Pathology.

Abstract: Although sudden cardiac death (SCD) is one of the most important modes of death in Western countries, pathologists and public health physicians have not given this problem the attention it deserves. New methods of preventing potentially fatal arrhythmias have been developed and the accurate diagnosis of the causes of SCD is now of particular importance. Pathologists are responsible for determining the precise cause and mechanism of sudden death but there is still considerable variation in the way in which they approach this increasingly complex task. The Association for European Cardiovascular Pathology has developed these guidelines, which represent the minimum standard that is required in the routine autopsy practice for the adequate investigation of SCD. The present version is an update of our original article, published 10 years ago. This is necessary because of our increased understanding of the genetics of cardiovascular diseases, the availability of new diagnostic methods, and the experience we have gained from the routine use of the original guidelines. The updated guidelines include a detailed protocol for the examination of the heart and recommendations for the selection of histological blocks and appropriate material for toxicology, microbiology, biochemistry, and molecular investigation. Our recommendations apply to university medical centers, regionals hospitals, and all healthcare professionals practicing pathology and forensic medicine. We believe that their adoption throughout Europe will improve the standards of autopsy practice, allow meaningful comparisons between different communities and regions, and permit the identification of emerging patterns of diseases causing SCD. Finally, we recommend the development of regional multidisciplinary networks of cardiologists, geneticists, and pathologists. Their role will be to facilitate the identification of index cases with a genetic basis, to screen appropriate family members, and ensure that appropriate preventive strategies are implemented.