Medical conference to discuss the current and future use of CT and MRI in autopsy practice

Sep 17 2009

University of Leicester Professor to talk on Use of CT and MRI in Autopsy Practice

A leading forensic pathologist from the University of Leicester is among the keynote speakers at a unique medical conference in the city examining The Use of CT and MRI in Autopsy Practice.

Professor Guy Rutty, Head of Forensic Pathology at the University of Leicester, will be one of three keynote speakers at the conference to be held at the Leicester Tigers Stadium on Monday 23rd November.

The first of its kind in the UK, the meeting will consider the current and future use of Computed Tomography (CT) and Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) in autopsy practice within the UK and Australia.

Chief Forensic Pathologist with the East Midlands Forensic Pathology Unit - the organisers of the event - Professor Guy Rutty is highly regarded in his field and was former Editor-in-Chief of the journal Forensic Science, Medicine and Pathology.

Professor Rutty said: "In modern times the use of CT and MRI has become an integral part of autopsy practice, in adults and children, throughout the world. As the role of these technologies is evolving, it has led to a substantial cultural change in the conduct of death investigations.

"Increasingly, publications from overseas groups have heralded the prospect of virtual or near-virtual autopsy examinations utilising sophisticated imaging and targeted percutaneous sampling of tissue. This is an exciting prospect welcomed by those for whom the autopsy is an anathema and bureaucrats looking to overcome shortages in medical manpower.

"Whether CT or other more sophisticated imaging for that matter, will in the foreseeable future replace the autopsy rather than remaining as an adjunct to it, remains to be seen."

The meeting is aimed at pathology, autopsy and imaging practitioners as well as those involved in all aspects of death investigation and bereavement. The subject matters covered in the meeting will include;

* Natural death in children and adults
* Suspicious and homicide death investigations
* Mass fatality and identification investigations
* Projectile related fatalities
* The use of high throughput mortuary based CT
* The current department of Health program concerning the near virtual autopsy program

The meeting is to be held in the Caterpillar Stand at the Leicester Tigers Stadium on Monday 23rd November. The conference is organised by the East Midlands Pathology Unit. For further details and registration please see the website below.

http://www.intel-events.co.uk/EMFPU