Paleopathological analysis on bronchial washing fluid from a mummy: The “General Hak‐Bong” mummy, Korea

Abstract

Background and aim: The purpose of this study was to investigate the lungs of a mummified individual. We attempted to use minimally invasive tools for examining the mummy, given the desire for the preservation of the mummy. Methods: We studied the “General Hak‐Bong” mummy, dated from the early ‘Chosun’ dynasty era, a dynasty that flourished in the beginning of the 15th century (1392–1910). Bronchoscopic biopsy and washing were performed, and chest multidetector CT (MDCT) was also done. The bronchial washing fluid and biopsy specimens were examined by light and scanning electron microscopy. Results: Pollen grains were found in the bronchial washing fluid. This pollen proved to be Typha angustifolia or Typha orientalis by scanning electron microscopic analysis, and this was used as a hemostatics in ancient oriental medicine. MDCT showed the loss of volume and suspicious cystic lesions in the left lung. Conclusions: We successfully investigated the lungs of the mummy by using bronchoscopy, MDCT and microscopic analysis. The pollen grains found in the bronchi of the mummy, which was previously used as an hemostatics in ancient oriental medicine, could guide us in determining more about General Hak‐Bong's death.