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Selected Publication:
Widek, T.
Forensic Age Estimation in the Living using MRI
Doktoratsstudium der Medizinischen Wissenschaft; Humanmedizin; [ Dissertation ] Graz Medical University; 2021. pp. 137
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- Authors Med Uni Graz:
- Widek Thomas
- Advisor:
- Quehenberger Franz
- Schwark Thorsten
- Altmetrics:
- Abstract:
- Forensic age estimation in the living has recently been brought to the forefront of forensic research due to the steady increase in cross-border migration. Currently, the standard procedure for forensic age estimation established in many countries is based on radiological examinations using ionizing radiation. The main body regions examined are the hand, the clavicles and the third molars. The assessment is based on the developmental stages of the bones and teeth. The use of ionizing radiation for the purpose of forensic age estimation is, however, the subject of controversial discussions due to the lack of a medical indication. Therefore, among others, the search for radiological examinations without ionizing radiation is an important focus of forensic research. The aim of this thesis was to investigate 3T magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) as an alternative method for the age estimation procedure. Established classification systems should be used for the evaluation of radiological data and a data model for the combination of the three regions should be found. The presented work can be divided into four parts: Evaluations of the three mentioned single regions and a combination of the regions in terms of a multi-factorial (age) analysis. For the entire project, 338 male Caucasians aged 13 – 25 years (range: 13.01 – 24.98y, median: 18.90y, mean: 18.93y, standard deviation: 3.28y) were prospectively examined with a 3T MR scanner. Different MR sequences were used for the left hand and wrist, the two clavicles, and the third molars. The analysis of the MR data sets was carried out by different evaluators using established classification systems. The Greulich-Pyle atlas was used for hand and wrist evaluation, the medial end of the clavicles was analyzed using the Schmeling and Kellinghaus stages, and finally the third molars were scored using the classifications introduced by Demirjian and Olze, respectively. Statistical analysis of the individual regions was done with a transition analysis and/or descriptive statistics. For the combination, transition analysis in a latent trait approach was applied, taking Bayes' theorem into account. The results showed the applicability of 3T MRI for the individual regions using the classification systems currently in use. Reference values for males for the three regions were presented. The model used for the combination of the three regions showed good results and was superior to single region evaluation. Limitations of the project are mainly the male only cohort of Caucasian subjects and the long MR acquisition times. Therefore, further studies are needed to examine females as well as other ethnic groups. In addition, studies are needed to shorten the MRI sequences to facilitate the implementation of MRI in the age assessment process.