CT Scan of Thirteen Natural Mummies Dating Back to the XVI-XVIII Centuries: An Emerging Tool to Investigate Living Conditions and Diseases in History

Abstract

Objectives: To correlate the radiologic findings detected with computed tomography scan with anthropological data in 13 naturally mummified bodies discovered during works of recovery of an ancient church in a crypt in Roccapelago, in the Italian Apennines.

Methods: From a group of about sixty not-intentionally mummified bodies, thirteen were selected to be investigated with volumetric computed tomography (CT). Once CT scan was performed, axial images were processed to gather MPR and Volume Rendering reconstructions. Elaborations of these images provided anthropometric measurements and a non-invasive analysis of the residual anatomical structures. For each body the grade of preservation and the eventual pathological changes were recorded. Furthermore, in order to identify nutritional and occupational markers, radiologic signs of bone tropism and degenerative changes were analysed and graded.

Results: Mummies included seven females and six males, with an estimated age ranging from 20 to 60 years. The first relevant finding identified was a general low grade of preservation, due to the lack of anatomic tissues different from bones, tendons and dehydrated skin. The low grade of preservation was related to the natural process of mummification. Analysing bone degenerative changes on CT scan, the majority of the bodies had significant occupational markers consisting of arthritis in the spine, lower limbs and shoulders even in young age. Few were the pathological findings identified. Among these, the most relevant included a severe bilateral congenital hip dysplasia and a wide osteolytic lesion involving left orbit and petrous bone that was likely the cause of death.

Conclusions: Although the low grade of preservation of these mummies, the multidisciplinary approach of anthropologists and radiologists allowed several important advances in knowledge for the epidemiology of Roccapelago. First of all, a profile of living conditions was delineated. It included occupational and nutritional conditions. Moreover, identification of some causes of death and, most importantly the definition of general living conditions.

Fig 1

Bodies amassed in a pyramidal pile, at the moment of discovery in the crypt (a). Empty crypt after removing mummies. To note lateral window and floor in pure rock (b).

Fig 2. Mummies sited on rigid support and examined with CT scan.

Fig 3. Measurement of left femur for anthropometric calculation of height.

Fig 4. Soft tissues of the trunk without a clear anatomical identity.

The tubular structure on the right side of the vertebral body may be residual of mediastinal organ, such as trachea (white circle). Residual of spinal medulla with left radicular emergence (arrow). Flexor tendons of right hand (arrow-heads). Multiple hyper attenuated inclusions, maybe related to little rocks, can be observed in axial scans.

Fig 5

Degenerative signs of the lumbar spine, with moderate osteophytosis (a). Degenerative signs of knee with sclerosis of articular layers and osteophytosis. Fracture of proximal metaphysis of fibula without any bone reparative sign, suggestive of post-mortem fracture (arrow) (b). Sclerosis of the glena and irregularity of greater tuberosity (c).

Fig 6

Cystic multiloculated lesion on the lateral condyle of right femur likely related to benign fibrous hystiocytoma (a) associated to contralateral hyperostosis likely due to overload (b).

Fig 7

Severe deformation of femoral head related to dysplasia as shown in MPR coronal (a) and VR reconstructions (b).

Fig 8

VR reconstructions (a,b,c) and coronal MPR reconstructions (d) of skull. Large bandage on the left orbit to cover a large osteolytic lesion of the left orbit with large erosive phenomenon. The jaw presented an amputation of the left ascending tract at approximately two thirds. A lamellar bony structure was present on the external superior margin of the wide discontinuity of the skull likely due to reparative process (arrow).

Fig 9. IND 50: female with estimated age of about 20–29 years old.

Picture of the mummy (a). VR reconstructions with soft tissue filter of visualization (b) and VR with bone filter of visualization (c).

Fig 10

Two ancient parish records: the first from 1599 to 1738 (a), the second one from 1739 to 1891 (b).

Fig 11. Fragment of the ancient parish records in ancient Italian language: February 28 1773, Carlo Vanni (…) chopping (…) old oak wood making firewood to burn together, he was suddenly struck (the original Italian text: “28 Febbraio 1773 …nel tagliare…un cerro per fare legna da seccare in compagnia …resto improvvisamente colpito) (c).

Fig 12. IND 57: VR reconstructions show hands in praying position.

Fig 13. IND 50: Lace on the neck of the blouse (arrow).