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Postmortem examinations using magnetic resonance imaging: four year review of a working service

BMJ 2002; 324 doi: https://doi.org/10.1136/bmj.324.7351.1423 (Published 15 June 2002) Cite this as: BMJ 2002;324:1423
  1. R A L Bisset (Rob.Bissett@mail.nmanhc-tr.nwest.nhs.uk), consultant radiologista,
  2. N B Thomas, consultant radiologista,
  3. I W Turnbull, consultant neuroradiologistb,
  4. S Lee, consultant radiologistc
  1. a X Ray Department, North Manchester General Hospital, Manchester M8 5RB
  2. b X Ray Department, Hope Hospital, Salford M6 8HD
  3. c X Ray Department, Manchester Royal Infirmary, Manchester M13 UK
  1. Correspondence to: R Bisset
  • Accepted 12 December 2001

Magnetic resonance imaging is useful in postmortem examination of neonates.1 As an alternative to invasive autopsy, the Jewish community asked for magnetic resonance imaging to be used in postmortem examinations in the general population. This service was established with the cooperation of the local coroner, and started in March 1997. Three private magnetic resonance imaging facilities take work for six coroners. Though funded, for religious reasons, by the local Jewish community, the service has also examined Muslim and Christian bodies. We describe the first fully operational service of its kind.

Methods and results

Since the inception of the service, the bodies of 53 people (28 women and 25 men), …

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