Cone Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT) as a tool for the analysis of nonhuman skeletal remains in a medico-legal setting

• Published in: Forensic science international Vol. 266; pp. e32 - e37
• Main Authors: Lucena, Joaquin, Mora, Esther, Rodriguez, Lucia, Muñoz, Mariela, Cantin, Mario G, Fonseca, Gabriel M
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Ireland Elsevier B.V 01-09-2016; Elsevier Limited
• Subjects: Animals; Availability; Bones; Case reports; Computation; Computed tomography; Cone-Beam Computed Tomography; Criminal investigations; Data processing; Dentistry; Deoxyribonucleic acid; DNA; DNA Fingerprinting; Forensic anthropology; Forensic dentistry; Forensic engineering; Forensic pathology; Forensic science; Forensic Sciences; Human remains; Humans; Imaging, Three-Dimensional; Legal medicine; Mathematical analysis; Maxilla - diagnostic imaging; Methods; Morphology; Origins; Pathology; Preservation; Species determination; Species Specificity; Strategy; Sus scrofa; Swine - genetics; Teeth; Tomography; Tooth - diagnostic imaging; Chile; Forensic dentistry; Forensic anthropology; Species determination; Cone-beam computed tomography; Human remains
• ISSN: 0379-0738; 1872-6283
• DOI: 10.1016/j.forsciint.2016.06.025

Abstract To confirm the nature and forensic significance of questioned skeletal material submitted a medico-legal setting is a relatively common procedure, although not without difficulties when the remains are fragmented or burned. Different methodologies have been described for this purpose, many of them invasive, time and money consuming or dependent on the availability of the analytical instrument. We present a case in which skeletal material with unusual conditions of preservation and curious discovery was sent to a medico-legal setting to determine its human/nonhuman origin. A combined strategy of imagenological procedures (macroscopic, radiographic and cone beam computed tomography -CBCT- technology) was performed as non-invasive and rapid methods to assess the nonhuman nature of the material, specifically of pig ( Sus scrofa) origin. This hypothesis was later confirmed by DNA analysis. CBCT data sets provide accurate three-dimensional reconstructions, which demonstrate its reliable use as a forensic tool.