Normal postmortem changes in the gastrointestinal tract

Normal postmortem changes in the gastrointestinal tract​ refers to the normal changes that can be expected to be seen in the gastrointestinal tract on post-mortem imaging.

Radiographic features

CT

The following changes may be present in the abdomen and gastrointestinal tract :

• intraluminal fluid of a variety of densities can be expected from a variety sources (e.g. food within the gastrointestinal tract, medications, oral contrast administered prior to death, hemorrhage)
• hyperdensity of the walls of the gastrointestinal tract
• intraluminal gas (as a result of gastrointestinal ischemia and injury during circulatory death )
• intraluminal gastric and intestinal gaseous dilation (both as a normal change; but this may also be compounded as a result of CPR or other resuscitative efforts )
• portal venous gas may be present
• intravascular gas and sedimentation in mesenteric vessels, the aorta and large veins can also be expected