Anemias in ancient Egyptian child mummies: Computed tomography investigations in European museums

The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence anemias in ancient Egyptian child mummies. Whole-body computed tomography (CT) examinations 21 mummies from European museums were evaluated for estimation sex and age at death. CT systematically assessed skeletal effects using a clinical radiological approach as well quantitative measurements thickness cranial vault diploe. Additionally, technical feasibility assess porotic hyperostosis on available data examined. Twelve children male seven female, two, indeterminate. estimated death ranged about 1 year 12–14 years. One case showed signs thalassemia (β-thalassemia major) postcranial skeleton. had macroglossia that probably indicated Beckwith–Wiedemann syndrome. Quantitative confirmed high variability diploe thickness. Compared with reference values, out (33%) pathological enlargement frontal represents typical finding chronic hemolytic anemia iron deficiency anemia. Assessment not feasible image quality sufficient examination. In conclusion, an indicator prevalence, especially younger children. mummy seems be first evidence skeleton Egypt.