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Published on March 21, 2008

The anatomists were the first scientists in the world to use magnetic resonance tomography (MRT) successfully via a special measurement method on standard clinical hardware.

The spectacular examination was made possible by a team from Siemens Healthcare, whose technical innovation may also soon help patients.

The new measurement method for MRT devices uses very fast signal detection. Known as Ultra-Short Echo Time (UTE), the procedure functions well with clinical MRT devices, one of which was used for examination of the mummy.

Using the system, the scientists were able to study the mummy's intervertebral disks, cerebral membrane, blood vessels and embalming-fluid residue. The ephyseal plates of the mummy's upper arm were also clearly recognisable.

UTE also makes it possible to generate images of tissue that had remained hidden from MRT examinations.

The diagnosis technique can be used to examine processes within the heart, identify abnormalities in a patient's metabolism and study the brains of patients suffering from Alzheimer's disease.

The Nation

      At a glance

n Ultra-Short Echo Time is a new measurement method for MRT devices.

n The method makes it possible to generate images of tissue that remain hidden from MRT examinations.

n It can be used to examine processes within the heart and identify abnormalities in a patient's metabolism.