Early time-related course of image findings in postmortem MRI: Typical findings and observer agreement in a porcine model.

Purpose: To assess early time-related image findings in postmortem magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and to evaluate observer agreement in a porcine model.

Material And Methods: Three pigs were examined by MRI at 15 different time points in the first 36h after death. Two observers independently recorded the postmortem interval (PMI) to the appearance of fluid collection (pleural space, interlobar and interlobular pulmonary fissures and hepatic interlobar fissures), gas accumulation (intrahepatic and intracardial) and blood clotting (aorta and intrahepatic venous vessels).