PMCTA

PMCTA stands for Postmortem Computed Tomography Angiography, a radiological technique used in forensic medicine to visualize the vascular system after death. It combines perfusion of contrast medium into the arterial system with CT imaging to produce three-dimensional views of vessels and blood distribution. In practice, arterial access is obtained—commonly via femoral or carotid routes—and iodinated contrast is injected under controlled pressure to simulate circulation. CT scanners acquire high-resolution images, and 3D reconstructions help investigators assess vessel patency, hemorrhage, traumatic vascular injuries, and bullet paths.

PMCTA is a component of the broader field of virtopsy or postmortem imaging and is used to complement conventional autopsy. It is particularly valuable when autopsy is refused or limited, or when detailed vascular mapping is needed. Information obtained includes presence of active bleeding, pseudoaneurysms, vessel transections, and occlusions, as well as organ perfusion patterns.

Limitations include the lack of true in vivo circulation after death, potential incomplete perfusion due to postmortem clotting, processing artifacts, gas formation, or anatomical variations; the technique also cannot replace histological examination for many diseases. Interpretation requires radiologists and forensic pathologists trained in postmortem imaging. PMCTA findings are usually integrated with macroscopic autopsy results to establish cause of death.

Related topics include postmortem CT and virtopsy.