Editorial: The rise of postmortem imaging in forensic radiology and paleoradiology

Over the past two decades, postmortem imaging has evolved into an integral component of forensic medicine and the scientific investigation of human remains. Advances in radiological technology, particularly in computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), have fundamentally transformed how deceased individuals, archaeological remains, and culturally significant artifacts are examined. This Research Topic, The Rise of Postmortem Imaging in Forensic Radiology and Paleoradiology, brings together contributions from radiology, pathology, anthropology and odontology to reflect the maturity, diversity, and future potential of this interdisciplinary field (Fig. 1).Radiology is inherently positioned at the interface of multiple disciplines, and its application beyond clinical medicine has proven particularly impactful in postmortem contexts. In forensic medicine, virtual autopsy or Virtopsy has become an established concept describing the noninvasive or minimally invasive radiological examination of the deceased using cross sectional imaging modalities. Postmortem CT now represents a cornerstone of forensic casework in many institutions worldwide, supporting trauma analysis, detection of foreign bodies, documentation of skeletal injuries, and radiological identification. Complementary use of postmortem MRI has expanded diagnostic possibilities, particularly in pediatric cases and in the assessment of soft tissues and the central nervous system. In addition, magnetic resonance spectroscopy provides a valuable tool for non-invasive biochemical analysis.