Postmortem intravascular high-density fluid level (hypostasis): CT findings

J Comput Assist Tomogr. 2002 Nov-Dec;26(6):892-3. doi: 10.1097/00004728-200211000-00006.

Abstract

Purpose: To evaluate postmortem CT (PMCT) finding of hypostasis.

Methods: PMCT examinations were performed within 2 hours of death in 126 patients who arrived at our institution in nontraumatic cardiopulmonary arrest.

Results: PMCT showed hypostasis as high-density fluid level in the lumen of the heart or great vessels in 66 of 126 patients (52%).

Conclusion: Hypostasis is observed as an intravascular high-density fluid level on PMCT.

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Autopsy
  • Cadaver
  • Child
  • Child, Preschool
  • Death, Sudden, Cardiac / etiology*
  • Embolism / diagnostic imaging*
  • Embolism / pathology
  • Female
  • Heart / diagnostic imaging*
  • Humans
  • Infant
  • Infant, Newborn
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Postmortem Changes
  • Solubility
  • Tomography, X-Ray Computed
  • Water-Electrolyte Balance