Post-mortem imaging in paediatrics

This essay was written as part of a forensic radiography module at the University of Leeds. I chose the topic of post-mortem imaging for paediatrics because of the current research being undertaken in the field, including that of Great Ormond Street Hospital, as well as the potential impact on bereaved families, genetic counselling and the understanding of pregnancy loss and unexpected infant death. The biggest learning outcome for me is that imaging has a significant role in the future of post-mortem investigations and current studies in the field could make invasive post-mortem a practice of the past.

As part of the standard proceedings after a child’s unexpected death, a post-mortem is requested to investigate the cause¹. In recent years, the rate of post-mortem uptake following stillbirth has declined, from 58% in 1993 to 45% in 2014². Parents have reported their reasoning...