Virtopsy: The Emerging Trend in Forensic Medicine

Virtopsy is a word combining virtual and autopsy, which employs modern imaging or radiological techniques for the purpose of autopsy and to determine the cause of death. It is being followed in some of the developed and developing countries around the world. The use of this technique against traditional post mortem examination has been debated on various occasions. Advantages and disadvantages of virtopsy have been discussed here. Since virtual autopsy is non-invasive technique it is socially acceptable and boon for countries where dissection of the dead body is forbidden for religious reasons. Even with all modern radiological techniques, virtual autopsy has certain drawbacks, hence considered as incomplete autopsy. In conclusion virtopsy can be regarded as an adjuvant but not a replacement to standard complete invasive post mortem examination.