title: [A sarcophagus with a surprise: computed tomography of a mummy from the Late Period of ancient Egypt].
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Diagnostic imaging techniques, at present especially computed tomography (CT), have become the most important noninvasive method for the study of mummies because they enable high resolution images and three-dimensional reconstructions without damaging the mummified subject. We present a sarcophagus with a mummy hidden inside that was acquired by a gallery in Barcelona.
  
  
  METHODS
  The sarcophagus and mummy were examined by CT at the Hospital Universitari Sagrat Cor in Barcelona. A flexible clamp was used to obtain tissue samples for further study.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The results showed the presence of an anatomically intact female human subject albeit with a destructured thorax and upper abdomen. Various metal objects were detected, corresponding to amulets, artificial eyes, and an external wooden brace.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  CT is an excellent noninvasive imaging technique for the detailed study of mummies, as it enables not only the anatomic identification of the mummified subject but also the obtainment of tissue samples for complementary analyses. The description of these findings enables us to know the major radiologic landmarks for the paleopathologic study of mummies.
authors.affiliation: IDC Hospital Universitari Sagrat Cor, Barcelona, España; Museu Egipci de Barcelona, Barcelona, España. Electronic address: aisidro.cot@gmail.com.
authors.forename: Albert
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Isidro
authors.affiliation: IDC Hospital Universitari Sagrat Cor, Barcelona, España.
authors.forename: Iván
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Díez-Santacoloma
authors.affiliation: IDC Hospital Universitari Sagrat Cor, Barcelona, España.
authors.forename: Jaume
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Bagot
authors.affiliation: IDC Hospital Universitari Sagrat Cor, Barcelona, España.
authors.forename: Lidón
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Milla
authors.affiliation: IDC Hospital Universitari Sagrat Cor, Barcelona, España.
authors.forename: Anna
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Gallart
mesh_terms: D004534:Egypt; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D009106:Mummies / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed
keywords: Ancient history; Computed tomography; Egipto Baja Época; Historia antigua; Late Period of ancient Egypt; Momias; Mummies; Sarcophagus; Sarcófago; Tomografía computarizada