Otopathology of Egyptian mummy Pum II: final report.

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.