Using micro computed tomography to investigate a fetal mummy with possible situs inversus: A case report

Computed tomography (CT) is commonly used to noninvasively examine mummified remains, but can have resolution limitations when analyzing smaller mummified specimens, such as fetal mummies. This short report determines if the enhanced resolution of micro CT improves the anatomical analysis of mummified fetal anatomy.

A fetal mummy from an anatomical collection was scanned by a micro CT at a resolution of 0.08 mm slice thickness. The mummy was also scanned at a resolution of 0.6 mm slice thickness to mimic the approximate minimum resolution of a conventional CT scanner. The anatomy was virtually reconstructed at both resolutions to compare anatomical detail for determining sex, gestation, and the presence of congenital/ pathological conditions.

The anatomical reconstructions based on the micro CT were significantly more detailed than the conventional CT data. This resulted in improved identification of sex and the presence of a congenital/ pathological condition.

Micro CT should be considered when examining fetal mummies, because of the enhanced resolution resulting in improve anatomical analysis.