MALVERN, Pa. -- Using images generated by a mobile computed tomography (CT) system from Siemens Medical Solutions, experts in Egypt have examined the cause of King Tutankhamen's death some 3,000 years ago. The CT scan of the Pharaoh's mummy did not find evidence that Tutankhamen was murdered.
The mummy of Tutankhamen was discovered in Egypt's Valley of Kings in 1922. An initial X-ray analysis in 1968 revealed a bone splinter embedded in the Pharaoh's skull. This fact -- coupled with the body's obviously hasty mummification and burial -- led to speculation that Tutankhamen had died from head injuries, and possibly been murdered.
The now-completed CT examination, based on images generated from a total of 1,700 slices, found no evidence for this theory. But the Pharaoh may have suffered from a broken thigh shortly before his death at the age of 19. Some members of the examination team say that the Pharaoh may have died from an infection of this wound. They refer to the fact that the CT images revealed embalming resin inside the wound, and that there was no sign of a healing process. Other scientists on the team doubt that the injury was the cause of the king's death. They believe the wound could have been inflicted later by archaeologists examining the mummy, arguing that there was no evidence for haematoma, which should be there if the injury was inflicted during the Pharaoh's lifetime.
This examination is part of a research project being conducted by Egypt's Supreme Council of Antiquities. The project also includes meticulous CT scans of a large number of other Egyptian mummies. To support the project, Siemens has provided a special CT system, which is installed it a trailer -- making it transportable to wherever it is needed. With this device, the fragile remains of Egypt's ancient people can be studied with a minimum of movement and disturbance.
The CT system donated for the project, the SOMATOM Emotion 6, provides important prerequisites for this study: It combines advanced imaging capabilities with minimal sitting requirements. Because of its wide opening, the mummies can be positioned without difficulty. Also, it is capable of displaying the finest details in three-dimensional imaging.
Source: Siemens Medical Solutions
Comprehensive Strategies in Wound Care: Insights From Madhavi Ponnapalli, MD
November 22nd 2024Madhavi Ponnapalli, MD, discusses effective wound care strategies, including debridement techniques, offloading modalities, appropriate dressing selection, compression therapy, and nutritional needs for optimal healing outcomes.
The Leapfrog Group and the Positive Effect on Hospital Hand Hygiene
November 21st 2024The Leapfrog Group enhances hospital safety by publicizing hand hygiene performance, improving patient safety outcomes, and significantly reducing health care-associated infections through transparent standards and monitoring initiatives.
Why Clinical Expertise Is the Cornerstone to Your Most Profitable Business Line
November 14th 2024Perioperative nurses bring vital skills in patient safety, infection control, and quality improvement. They enhance surgical outcomes and support health care systems during complex, high-risk procedures.
Strengthening Defenses: Integrating Infection Control With Antimicrobial Stewardship
October 11th 2024Use this handout to explain the basics of why infection prevention and control and antimicrobial stewardship are essential and how the 2 fields must have a unified approach to patient and staff safety
Blood Product Overtransfusion Is a Global Issue: Here Are 5 Reasons the Practice Must Change
October 9th 2024If a patient receives treatment or therapy that they do not need, it can cause unnecessary harm. This is true for medications, surgeries, and medical procedures, especially blood transfusions.