Teaching and examining for post-mortem CT-scanned autopsies

The traditional style of autopsy teaching and training requires adaptation for the evolving practice of post mortem radiology, with the pathology trainee learning to interpret radiological diagnostic data mapped against the ante mortem information and external examination. The potential benefits of post mortem radiology require cautious evaluation in the training environment, as some pathologies are not well seen by post mortem computerized tomography (PMCT). There is also the trap of some pathology being readily found, which is not relevant to the cause of death. This article debates the standard format of the PMCT report and how one should judge if additional testing or invasive autopsy are required. The article also considers what is being sought in those facing examination with PMCT-based questions.