3D post-processing in postmortem forensic imaging: Techniques, applications, and future directions

Nicolas Douis, Elodie Marchand, Gwendoline Wary, Romain Gillet, Martin Kolopp, Alain Blum, Laurent Martrille

Diagn Interv Imaging. 2025 Jun 3:S2211-5684(25)00105-6. doi: 10.1016/j.diii.2025.05.007. Online ahead of print.
Abstract
Three-dimensional (3D) post-processing is now an essential part of postmortem forensic computed tomography (CT) imaging. Recent advances in this field include the development of sophisticated reconstruction algorithms, such as global illumination rendering. These tools enable the photorealistic, synthetic, and selective visualization of complex anatomical information with high degrees of accuracy. This technology is particularly valuable in bone injury cases because it facilitates lesion mechanism analysis. 3D representations are valuable tools in forensic investigations, including radiological analysis, communicating results, preparing autopsies, and presenting forensic findings in court. Several factors influence the quality of the final 3D representation, including the technical parameters of CT data acquisition and the appropriate use of post-processing software. This review provides an overview of the key factors that determine the quality of 3D forensic CT images, examines their applications and limitations, and discusses future directions.