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. 2025 Jan;139(1):131-142.
doi: 10.1007/s00414-024-03350-9. Epub 2024 Oct 24.

Changes in tissues and organs through PMCTA carrier substances

G M Bruch  1   2 , N H C Feldmann  3 , F T Fischer  3 , T Fracasso  4   5 , S Grabherr  4   5 , P Genet  5
Affiliations

Changes in tissues and organs through PMCTA carrier substances

G M Bruch et al. Int J Legal Med. 2025 Jan.

Abstract

To date, lipophilic contrast agents mixed with oil, usually paraffin oil, are the most commonly used contrast agents in post-mortem computed tomography angiography (PMCTA). Iodine-based hydrophilic contrast media in combination with a water-soluble carrier, e.g. polyethylene glycol (PEG), are also common. However, their influence on different tissues and organs is poorly understood. In order to analyse the changes in the cadavers caused by the different carrier substances, we evaluated the effects of PEG 200 and oil on the different tissues and organs. Therefore, during a forensic autopsy, liquid femoral vein blood and samples of different organs and vessels were taken and preserved at room temperature in the two liquids mentioned. The condition of the samples was documented during the autopsy and 24, 48 and 72 h after preservation. Microscopic examination took place after 72 h. After 24 h, the samples placed in PEG 200 already showed a clear solidification of almost all structures. Crumbly blood agglomerates had formed in the previously liquid blood. In contrast, the samples stored in oil showed signs of classic cadaveric decomposition after 24 h, which increased with time. The microscopic and immunohistochemical evaluation of the samples stored in PEG showed a good diagnostic quality. The analysis of tissues stored in oil was much more difficult due to putrefaction. PEG and oil show significantly different effects on human tissues, mainly conservation and dehydration are affected. It is crucial to be aware of these differences in order to choose the most appropriate PMCTA method for each forensic case.

Keywords: Carrier substance; PEG; PMCTA; Paraffin oil; Polyethylenglycole.

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Conflict of interest statement

Declarations. Ethical approval: Principal consent of the local ethics committee was obtained, as the committee stated, that “examinations of body materials and evidence from cadavers taken and examined on behalf of public prosecutors or investigating authorities [for scientific purpose] there is no obligation to seek advice of the Ethics Committee in case of scientific publication of anonymized results” (No. 22–0572-KB). Informed consent: Not applicable Disclosure of potential conflicts of interest: The authors declare no conflict of interest. Research involving human participants and/or animals: Not applicable (see Ethical Approval).

Figures

Fig. 1
Fig. 1
Tissues after autopsy a) stored in PEG, swimming on top of the fluid b) stored in Oil, sinking to the bottom of the jar
Fig. 2
Fig. 2
Liquid Blood: a) 24 h in oil – b) 24 h in PEG – c) 72 h in PEG
Fig. 3
Fig. 3
Brain tissue: a) during autopsy – b) 24 h in oil – c) 48 h in oil – d) 72 h in oil e) 24 h in PEG – f) 48 h in PEG – g) 72 h in PEG
Fig. 4
Fig. 4
Heart muscle: a) during autopsy – b) 24 h in oil – c) 48 h in oil – d) 72 h in oil—e) 24 h in PEG – f) 48 h in PEG – g) 72 h in PEG
Fig. 5
Fig. 5
Fat tissue: a) during autopsy – b) 24 h in oil – c) 48 h in oil – d) 72 h in oil—e) 24 h in PEG – f) 48 h in PEG – g) 72 h in PEG, held up to the light
Fig. 6
Fig. 6
A. carotis: a) during autopsy – b) 24 h in oil – c) 48 h in oil – d) 72 h in oil
Fig. 7
Fig. 7
Aorta abdominalis: a) during autopsy – b) 24 h in PEG, held up to the light – c) 48 h in PEG – d) 72 h in PEG, held up to the light, backside of the arterie
Fig. 8
Fig. 8
Vena cava inferior: a) during autopsy – b) 24 h in PEG – c) 48 h in PEG – d) 72 h in PEG, held up to the light
Fig. 9
Fig. 9
Microscopisc examination of the heart, each 400 × magnification: a) heart after 72 h in PEG – b) heart after 72 h in oil c) heart after 72 h in PEG with anti-C5b9 antibody – d) heart after 72 h in PEG with anti-Myoglobin antibody
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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