engleski

Comparison of UTE sequence and MSCT in 15 mummified specimens from Archeological Museum in Zagreb

Only few months after the discovery of X-rays, first x-ray studies on mummies were performed. Therefore paleoradiology is as old as radiology. Later advances in radiology were applied almost simultaneously in paleoradiology. Mummies are dessicated and lack of unbound protons so magnetic resonance (MR) couldn’t be applied without rehidration, which led to permanent destruction of specimens. In 2007 for the first time MR signal was obtained from a dessicated mummy. Evaluation to which extent magnetic resonance (MR) ultra-short-echo-time (UTE) imaging of dry mummified specimens can add archaeological information to the one gained by computed tomography (CT) scans. Methods and Three whole human mummies, two heads, four fists, two feet and four mummified animal remains (all of them artificially embalmed), belonging to the Egyptian Collection from Archeological Museum in Zagreb, underwent CT as well as MR imaging employing 3-dimensional UTE sequence. Images were qualitatively evaluated for bone defects, linen elements, superficial layer of embalming liquid, and subchondral bone, cortical bone, inter vertebral disks, vascular structures and resin like fluid where possible. Results: UTE images could be evaluated in 14 of 15 specimens. Additional information to CT scans could be gained in 12 of 15 cases. Whereas conventional MR imaging is not feasible because of the lack of unbound protons, UTE imaging of dry mummies can add significant paleoradiological information such as narrowing of differential diagnosis and mummification technique.

Forensic / Necropsy studies; Animal (veterinary) studies; MR physics; CT; MR; Digital radiography; Comparative studies; Neoplasia; Trauma

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