The potential for non-invasive study of mummies: validation of the use of computerized tomography by post factum dissection and histological examination of a 17th century female Korean mummy.
The socio-cultural antipathies of some descendants with regard to invasive examinations of age-old human remains make permission for dissection of Korean mummies of the Joseon Dynasty (1392-1910) difficult to obtain. Overcoming this obstacle necessitated the use of non-invasive techniques, such as multi-detector computerized tomography (MDCT) and endoscopic examination, enabling determination of the preservation status of internal organs of mummies without significantly damaging the mummies themselves. However, MDCT alone cannot clearly differentiate specific mummified organs. Therefore, in much the same way as diagnostic radiologists make their MDCT readings on living patients more reliable by means of comparison with accumulated post-factum data from autopsies or histological studies, examinations of mummies by invasive techniques should not be decried as mere destruction of age-old human remains. Rather, providing that due permission from descendants and/or other relevant authorities can be obtained, dissection and histological examination should be performed whenever opportunities arise. Therefore, in this study, we compared the radiological data acquired from a 17th century mummy with our dissection results for the same subject. As accumulation of this kind of data could be very crucial for correct interpretation of MDCT findings on Korean mummies, we will perform similar trials on other Korean mummies found in forthcoming days if conditions permit.
Lim
Do-Seon
DS
Department of Dental Hygiene, College of Health Science, Eulji University, Sungnam, Korea.
Lee
In Sun
IS
Choi
Ki-Ju
KJ
Lee
Soong Deok
SD
Oh
Chang Seok
CS
Kim
Yi-Suk
YS
Bok
Gi Dae
GD
Kim
Myeung Ju
MJ
Yi
Yang Su
YS
Lee
Eun-Joo
EJ
Shin
Dong Hoon
DH
D044466:Asian People; D004210:Dissection; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007091:Image Processing, Computer-Assisted; D007723:Korea; D009106:Mummies / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D010164:Paleopathology / Q000379:methods; D036542:Tomography, Spiral Computed