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Selected Publication:
Torreiter, P.
Comparison of the Visibility between
External Examination and MR Imaging in Artificial Haematomas over Time
Humanmedizin; [ Diplomarbeit ] Graz Medical University; 2016. pp.
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- Authors Med Uni Graz:
- Torreiter Patrick Paul
- Advisor:
- Ogris Kathrin
- Altmetrics:
- Abstract:
- Human skin is an excellent indicator for any blunt force impact to the body. Nevertheless, not every trauma necessarily mirrors on the skin (12). The current standard in evaluating haematomas is external examination and colour evaluation (11). The recording and storage of findings is usually done by photography and a description of the injury (1). However, forensic radiology might offer the possibility of visualising internal damage of haematomas (2). The problem concerning external examination and photography is, that there is the possibility of not detecting the whole extent of haematomas. Furthermore, there are several influencing factors such as ethnicity (3-6) or the perception of yellow (4, 7, 8). Therefore, an objective method for detecting and documenting internal findings such as MRI would be useful. With regard to the current state of knowledge, the dating of a haematoma is difficult, if not impossible (9, 10). The aim of the study was the registration of external and internal visibility of artificially produced haematomas as well as an evaluation of the colour of each haematoma in comparison to a standard book (11) for forensic medicine. In 30 healthy volunteers (18 m., 12 f. ; age: 26,26 ± 3,87 years), we injected 4ml of autologous, freshly drawn venous blood into the subcutaneous fatty tissue of the left thigh. The external aspects were documented by photography on each appointment and evaluated by dividing them into different groups of colour. The scans and photographs were performed after the injection as well as 3h, 24h, 3d, 7d and 14d after the injection. The comparison of internal and external visibility revealed that internal haematomas are visible from the beginning on whereas external visibility develops over time. In contrast to that, internal visibility decreases with time while external visibility increases until the last day of observation. In opposition to a standard book for forensic medicine (11), this study found out that blue-purple haematomas can appear on every day within 14 days. Furthermore, yellow haematomas are older than suggested as the first yellow haematomas arose on the last day. Forensic radiology and especially MRI represent useful methods of documenting internal haemorrhage. Due to the fact that the artificial haematomas in this study did not contain a traumatic aspect, further studies are needed as the cellular damage may influence the regeneration process.