Three-dimensional computed tomography of the mummy Wenuhotep.
Computed tomography allows cross-sectional imaging of anthropological as well as clinical subjects. Recently, technical innovations have made three-dimensional reconstruction of these images feasible. We performed two-dimensional and three-dimensional computed tomography of a Late Period Egyptian mummy to reexamine findings seen on previous radiographic studies and to evaluate the usefulness of these techniques in paleopathology. Two-dimensional images provided excellent anatomic detail. There was graphic depiction of the mummification process that corroborated information previously obtained from Egyptological studies. Three-dimensional reconstruction provided images of facial features as if the mummy had been unwrapped. Three-dimensional computed tomography is a useful method of nondestructively evaluating paleopathological remains, and it may yield information not obtainable by any other means.
Pickering
R B
RB
Children's Museum, Indianapolis, Indiana.
Conces
D J
DJ
Braunstein
E M
EM
Yurco
F
F
D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D009106:Mummies / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D012984:Software; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed