A mummified foetus from the tomb of Tutankhamun

Abstract

One of the mummifid foetuses fiom the tomb of Tutankhamun displays what must be the earliest evidence of Sprengel's deformity. The f m l e foetus is still-born, aged eight months or, at the most, nine months. There is radiographic evidence of dislocation at C5/6, tibia vara and increased metaphysial density. Serological investigation of tissue fiom the foetus suggests the presence of bloodgroup M and H substances. Possible rehtionships of this foetus to other pharaonic remains already

Familial epilepsy in the pharaohs of ancient Egypt's eighteenth dynasty

“…[78] He was assassinated. [79] Potential family history of deformity in Tutankhamun's likely offspring (fetal mummies found in his coffin) -scoliosis, spina bifida, and Sprengel deformity. [2] Intracranial fragment on X-ray, with possibility of head trauma as part of embalming process.…”

“…Tutankhamun has been hypothesized to have had cervical spine deformities such as Klippel-Feil disease, although on subsequent analysis this has been discarded. Furthermore, his tomb reveals the coffin of the two female fetal mummies with deformities [79,91]; they may not necessarily be Tutankhamun's offspring and furthermore they may have been fetuses that were maldeveloped and aborted, naturally consistent with miscarriage rates of the time.…”

Genetic Disorders in Ancient Egypt

“…It is less well preserved than the other and measures 38.5 cm. When the body was examined and X-rayed in 1978, it was found to have scoliosis, spina bifida, and Sprengel (Harrison et al 1979 ). Currently, both fetuses are being examined by CT scan for further clarification of any congenital anomalies.…”

Skeletal dysplasia in ancient Egypt

“…The second fetus, also a female, was about 8 or 9 months gestation. When the body was examined and X‐rayed, it was found to have scoliosis, spina bifida, and Sprengel deformity which is a condition where the scapula on one or both sides are underdeveloped and abnormally high [Harrison et al, 1979].…”