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Otopathology of Egyptian mummy Pum II: final report
1Division of Otoneurology, William Beaumont Hospital, Royal Oak, Michigan.
Abstract:
Otoscopic examination of the ears of Egyptian mummy PUM II with the operating microscope revealed a small oval perforation of the right tympanic membrane in the posteroinferior quadrant. The smooth and concise margins suggested an etiology of middle ear infection. A method which allows decalcification of ancient specimens without disintegration of the eardrum and other soft tissues within the temporal bone was described. There was evidence of histological repair at the margins of the perforation consistent with sequela of otitis media. No other abnormalities were observed in the temporal bones of this individual. There was no evidence of otosclerosis bilaterally. To our knowledge, this is the first time that a pathological tympanic membrane perforation has been histologically documented in an ancient temporal bone.
Insights
This study documents the first histological evidence of a perforated tympanic membrane in an ancient Egyptian mummy. The findings suggest a history of middle ear infection, offering insights into ancient ear health.
Area of Science:
- Paleopathology
- Otolaryngology
- Ancient Egyptian Medicine
Background:
- Investigating ancient human remains provides insights into historical health conditions.
- The temporal bone and tympanic membrane are crucial for hearing and can reveal pathologies.
- Preservation of soft tissues in ancient specimens presents significant analytical challenges.
Observation:
- Otoscopic examination of an Egyptian mummy (PUM II) using an operating microscope revealed a perforation in the right tympanic membrane.
- The perforation's margins were smooth and concise, suggesting a middle ear infection as the cause.
- A novel decalcification method preserved the eardrum and surrounding soft tissues for histological analysis.
Findings:
- Histological examination showed evidence of tissue repair at the perforation margins, consistent with sequelae of otitis media (middle ear infection).
- No other abnormalities, including otosclerosis, were found in the temporal bones.
- This represents the first documented case of a pathological tympanic membrane perforation in an ancient temporal bone.
Implications:
- This research establishes a new precedent for the histological documentation of ear pathologies in ancient mummified remains.
- The findings contribute to our understanding of the prevalence and impact of otitis media in ancient populations.
- The developed decalcification technique can be applied to future studies of ancient soft tissues within temporal bones.