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Embryology, normal anatomy, and imaging techniques of the hyoid and larynx with respect to forensic purposes: a review article

  • Radiology Review
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Abstract

Experiences with pre- and postmortem imaging in a forensic setting create more and more interest. If autopsy is permitted, forensic pathologists perform careful examination of the neck structures, which plays an important role as this is decisive in the diagnostics of compressive neck injury. Primary tools are important: forensic pathologists and radiologists are supposed to be aware of the complex anatomy of the neck, especially the laryngeal region, to interprete their findings at autopsy and after imaging. It is of great interest whether CT and MR imaging techniques would be useful in comparing findings of autopsy and document findings if autopsy is refused. In the light of this, the embryology, anatomy and a review of imaging techniques of the neck will be highlighted in this article, with special attention to the value of updated imaging techniques of the larynx for forensic purposes in living people and postmortem.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Pathology, Netherlands Forensic Institute (NFI), PO Box 24044, 2490 AA, The Hague, The Netherlands

    Vidija Soerdjbalie-Maikoe

  2. Department of Radiology, Academic Medical Centre Amsterdam, Suite G1-224, Meibergdreef 9, 1105 AZ, Amsterdam Zuid-Oost, The Netherlands

    Rick R. van Rijn

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  1. Vidija Soerdjbalie-Maikoe
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  2. Rick R. van Rijn
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Correspondence to Vidija Soerdjbalie-Maikoe.

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Soerdjbalie-Maikoe, V., van Rijn, R.R. Embryology, normal anatomy, and imaging techniques of the hyoid and larynx with respect to forensic purposes: a review article. Forensic Sci Med Pathol 4, 132–139 (2008). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12024-008-9032-1

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12024-008-9032-1

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