Technical note: CT-guided biopsy: A new diagnostic method for paleopathological research.

The aim of this paper was to demonstrate the application of computerized tomographic (CT)-guided biopsy in a paleopathological examination. Researchers dealing with such special tasks should be aware of this method. We performed a CT-guided percutaneous biopsy of an ancient Egyptian child mummy, which allowed us to revise its initial diagnosis. Based on this experience, extended preinterventional planning and the choice of equipment (needle type) preferred by performing radiologists are strongly recommended, since they will influence diagnostic outcome. Easy documentation, suitable approaches according to the object's condition, and a reliable anatomical orientation without superposition effects during the procedure are some of the advantages of this method. It its already widely established in clinical practice. This technique is recommended for future tissue-sampling of human paleopathologic remains like mummies that are still wrapped within their original bandages, or any small bone lesion of unclear etiology. Copyright 2002 Wiley-Liss, Inc.