Interpreting pathologies in extant and extinct archosaurs using micro-CT

Anné, Jennifer; Garwood, Russell J.; Lowe, Tristan; Withers, Philip J.; Manning, Phillip L.

doi:10.7717/peerj.1130

Cited by 32 publications

(38 citation statements)

References 29 publications

(49 reference statements)

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“…Multiple studies have shown the utility of micro-CT and CT scanning as a non-invasive way of studying the internal morphology of bones 22,28,30,31 . The application of CT scanning in this diagnosis was integral for narrowing the range of possible etiologies.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

First Documented Pathologies in Tenontosaurus tilletti with Comments on Infection in Non-Avian Dinosaurs

Hunt¹,

Peterson²,

Frederickson³

et al. 2019

Sci Rep

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In 2001, a nearly complete sub-adult Tenontosaurus tilletti was collected from the Antlers Formation (Aptian-Albian) of southeastern Oklahoma. Beyond its exceptional preservation, computed tomography (CT) and physical examination revealed this specimen has five pathological elements with four of the pathologies a result of trauma. Left pedal phalanx I-1 and left dorsal rib 10 are both fractured with extensive callus formation in the later stages of healing. Left dorsal rib 7 (L7) and right dorsal rib 10 (R10) exhibit impacted fractures compressed 26 mm and 24 mm, respectively. The fracture morphologies in L7 and R10 indicate this animal suffered a strong compressive force coincident with the long axis of the ribs. All three rib pathologies and the pathological left phalanx I-1 are consistent with injuries sustained in a fall. However, it is clear from the healing exhibited by these fractures that this individual survived the fall. In addition to traumatic fractures, left dorsal rib 10 and possibly left phalanx I-1 have a morphology consistent with post-traumatic infection in the form of osteomyelitis. The CT scans of left metacarpal IV revealed the presence of an abscess within the medullary cavity consistent with a subacute form of hematogenous osteomyelitis termed a Brodie abscess. This is only the second reported Brodie abscess in non-avian dinosaurs and the first documented occurrence in herbivorous dinosaurs. The presence of a Brodie abscess, known only in mammalian pathological literature, suggest mammalian descriptors for bone infection may be applicable to non-avian dinosaurs.

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

First Documented Pathologies in Tenontosaurus tilletti with Comments on Infection in Non-Avian Dinosaurs

Hunt¹,

Peterson²,

Frederickson³

et al. 2019

Sci Rep

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“…This method is well suited for these purposes (Sutton, Rahman & Garwood 2014). Many CT-studies have focused on analyzing ontogeny or morphological traits for phylogenetic purposes (Monnet et al 2009;Garwood & Dunlop 2014;Naglik et al 2015a), but they can be used to test ecological or paleobiological aspects (Kruta et al 2011;Kühl et al 2012b;Hoffmann et al 2014;Takeda et al 2016) such as the interpretation of pathologies (Anné et al 2015) and bioerosion (Beuck et al 2008;Rahman et al 2015). Tomographic studies in ammonoids have particularly focused on functional morphology, empirical buoyancy calculations and ontogeny of the chambered shell (Lukeneder 2012;Hoffmann et al 2014;Tajika et al 2014;Lemanis et al 2015;Naglik et al 2015a;Naglik et al 2015b;Tajika et al 2015;Naglik, Rikhtegar & Klug 2016).…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Peer Review #1 of "3D-Analysis of a non-planispiral ammonoid from the Hunsrück Slate: natural or pathological variation? (v0.1)"

Wani¹

2017

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We herein examine the only known non-planispirally coiled early Devonian ammonoid, the holotype specimen of Ivoites opitzi, to investigate if the host was encrusted in vivo and if these sclerobionts were responsible for the trochospiral coiling observed in this unique specimen. To test if the presence of runner-like sclerobionts infested the historically collected specimen of Ivoites opitzi during its life, we used microCT to produce a threedimensional model of the surface of the specimen. Our results indicate that sclerobionts grew across the outer rim (venter) on both sides of the ammonoid conch at exactly the location where the deviation from the planispiral was recognized, and where subsequent ammonoid growth would likely preclude encrustation. This indicates in vivo encrustation of the I. opitzi specimen, and represents the earliest documentation of the phenomenon. Further, this suggests that non-planispiral coiling in I. opitzi was likely pathologically induced and does not represent natural morphological variation in the species. Despite the observed anomalies in coiling, the specimen reached adulthood and retains important identifying morphological features, suggesting the ammonoid was minimally impacted by encrustation in life. As such, appointing a new type specimen-as suggested by some authors-for the species is not necessary. In addition, we identify the sclerobionts responsible for modifying the coiling of this specimen as hederelloids, a peculiar group of sclerobionts likely related to phoronids. Hederelloids in the Devonian are commonly found encrusting on fossils collected in moderately deep environments within the photic zone and are rarely documented in dysphotic and aphotic samples. This indicates that when the ammonoid was encrusted it lived within the euphotic zone and supports the latest interpretations of the Hunsrück Slate depositional environment in the Bundenbach-Gemünden area.

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“…Such tools have allowed palaeopathologists to both increase the sample size and the integrity of their diagnoses through non-destructive internal analysis [5,7–10]. Here, we present XMT data from the pathological hadrosaur ulna and radius (NJSM GP11961) to (i) accurately diagnose the pathological condition, and (ii) digitally conserve a rare and important specimen.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

First diagnosis of septic arthritis in a dinosaur

2016

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Identification and interpretation of pathologies in the fossil record allows for unique insights into the life histories of extinct organisms. However, the rarity of such finds limits not only the sample size for palaeopathologic studies, but also the types of analyses that may be performed. In this study, we present the first occurrence of a palaeopathology in a vertebrate from the Mesozoic of the East Coast of North America (Appalachia), a pathologic ulna and radius of an indeterminate hadrosaur from the Navesink Formation (New Jersey). X-ray microtomography allowed for both detailed and more accurate diagnosis of the pathologic condition as well as virtual conservation of the specimen. Based on extant archosaurian comparisons, the hadrosaur was diagnosed with severe septic arthritis affecting the proximal ulna and radius. Diagnosis was based on erosion of the joint and highly reactive periosteal bone growth and fusion of the elements. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first recorded account of septic arthritis in dinosaurs. The severity of the pathology suggests the animal suffered with this condition for some time before death. Unfortunately, only the ulna and radius were found. Thus, the extent to which the condition spread to other parts of the body is unknown.

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Interpreting pathologies in extant and extinct archosaurs using micro-CT

Cited by 32 publications

References 29 publications

First Documented Pathologies in Tenontosaurus tilletti with Comments on Infection in Non-Avian Dinosaurs

First Documented Pathologies in Tenontosaurus tilletti with Comments on Infection in Non-Avian Dinosaurs

Peer Review #1 of "3D-Analysis of a non-planispiral ammonoid from the Hunsrück Slate: natural or pathological variation? (v0.1)"

First diagnosis of septic arthritis in a dinosaur

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