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Postmortem computed tomography (CT) is being used more frequently in forensicmedicine. This review discusses 100 deceased individuals who underwent CT scanning,as well as a standard autopsy. The CT scan was performed and interpreted by aforensic medicine specialist. In 11 cases, important findings discovered during the CTscan were not found at autopsy, and in 58 cases, important findings revealed at autopsywere not uncovered during the CT-scan. The cause of death could be established bythe CT scan and external examination in 27%; by CT scan, external examination, andforensic chemistry in 32%; and by autopsy in 95% of the cases. CT scanning was mostuseful in cases of traumatic death. CT is rarely a substitute for autopsy,but may contributeimportant new information in cases such as identifications (particularly following massdisasters), battered children, gunshot wounds, traffic accidents, and air embolisms. CTprovides documentation in digital form, which is easily stored and permits review byothers. CT also provides pictures that may be more suitable for presentation in courtthan autopsy photos. CT scanning also would be helpful during a medicolegal externalexamination (inquest) in the process of selecting cases for autopsy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]